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Decentralized Democracy

Member of Parliament

Blake Richards

  • Member of Parliament
  • Conservative
  • Banff—Airdrie
  • Alberta
  • Voting Attendance: 68%
  • Expenses Last Quarter: $145,439.36

  • Government Page
Context: House Hansard - 103 - Sep/27/22
Mr. Blake Richards (Banff—Airdrie, CPC)
  • Sep/27/22 2:06:38 p.m.
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Mr. Speaker, I stand to recognize Mike and Lori Reist, the co-founders of Adopt-a-Grad Foundation of Canada. Initially known as “Project Jack & Jill”, the charity was formed by Lori and Mike after a single mother reached out to Mike in 2016 to see if he had a suit that her son could use for his high school graduation. When Mike reached out to the community through social media, the community rallied around the young man, getting him a suit and some formal wear gift cards. This became a template that has helped hundreds of other students at the high schools in Airdrie. Further fundraising sponsorships from local businesses and cash donations have allowed the program to cover grad-related costs that otherwise would have been a barrier to students and their families from being able to fully experience this milestone. The program continues to grow and has now become Adopt-a-Grad Canada. Mike will remain as a board member, along with Jack Lumley, Marc Smith, Brittney Whatley and Jen Ebear, while Lori is taking on the role of executive director as a volunteer. Our community is made better because of people like Mike and Lori Reist.
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