After 30 years of service, Denise Arkell is celebrating her retirement from the role of executive director at Neighbour to Neighbour in our community of Hamilton Mountain. Today I want to take a moment to recognize Denise and to tell you more about her, because she truly is a pillar of the Hamilton community and she has made a lasting impact.

Denise is a person who never stops. She is the kind of person who works tirelessly, day in and day out, so she can help support people and meet the needs of our community where they are.

When Denise started back in 1993, Neighbour to Neighbour was serving around 600 households a month. Now they are serving 1,400 households each and every month. Her passion and her drive led her to expanding the various programs at Neighbour to Neighbour, because Denise has consistently recognized the need where she sees it.

I have known Denise for several years, and I am truly honoured to call her a friend. I’ve been lucky enough to work with her on several projects, including Coldest Night of the Year. If you’ve ever participated in this event in Hamilton Mountain, chances are you’ve met Denise. In true fashion, she works hard to lead this event each and every year to support people in need in our community.

Our community has been positively influenced by Denise’s work, and her efforts have created a living legacy that has spread across Hamilton.

Denise, I want to say thank you for everything. I am a better person for knowing you. You’ve inspired me each and every day for the hard work we do in our community. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement. While this is an end to one era, I know this is the beginning of a beautiful chapter for you. Congratulations.

I’d like to welcome Michau van Speyk from the Ontario Autism Coalition back to the House again today.

And, of course, I would be remiss not to mention, thanks to this lovely, amazing place, my very best friend, Taras Natyshak.