Silver bells are ringing, Christmas trees are up, shoppers are busy with presents, but I can’t help but think of our non-profit organizations during this time of the year. We all know that most of them have had a hard time during the past two years. The pandemic has affected them, with challenges in getting volunteers and, most importantly, donations. They were not able to run fundraising galas over the past two years. I have heard from many CEOs of non-profit organizations that they are struggling. It is sad to hear that some of them have to cut their programs, while others cut staff or simply pay less to their staff even though they have to work twice as hard.

This year, in February, we held the Non-Profit Sector Appreciation Week. It will be held again on the week of February 13, 2023. However, our appreciation should not be shown only once a year. May I invite everyone to take action to demonstrate your support? Please donate to a non-profit organization of your choice. Send them a card to show your appreciation. This will go a long way. Now is a good time: Any donation made before December 31 will receive a donation receipt in time for your tax return.

I wish you all a merry Christmas.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to meet and chat with Lilet Raffinan, the manager of the only Canadian Blood Services location in Brampton. As I spoke to Lilet, she educated me on the importance of donating plasma and how it can help make all the difference for those in need.

Plasma is a protein-rich liquid that is found in our blood and that is used to help treat a number of illnesses and injuries.

Plasma treatment is currently being used to treat illnesses such as cancer, nervous system disorders, organ transplants, bleeding disorders, and many more.

The plasma that is collected by Canadian Blood Services is used for fractionation, which means that your donated plasma will be manufactured into 50 life-saving medications and will be distributed to 730 hospitals and clinics across the country.

Speaker, the wonderful part of donating plasma is that you can donate your plasma every seven days; and international students, who can only donate their blood after they have been in Canada for at least three years, can donate their plasma after 21 days.

I strongly encourage all of my colleagues and the residents of Ontario to donate their plasma to make all the difference for Canadians in need.