Honourable senators, today, December 5, we are celebrating International Volunteer Day and the millions of Canadians who give of their time to charitable and community organizations.

It is more important than ever, particularly during the holiday season, to take a moment to truly appreciate the volunteers across the country who put their hearts and souls into helping various community organizations and doing charitable work.

Volunteerism, like what it means to be Canadian, is all about being a part of something greater than yourself. Helping others is a value deeply entrenched in Canadian society, and this day exists to honour the generosity, compassion and selflessness of the volunteers who make up the fabric of our rich Canadian tapestry.

Food banks, homeless shelters, toy drives, charities, foundations, advocacy groups and many other similar organizations are always in need of volunteers. And in typical Canadian fashion, Canadians always step up and show up.

Over the years, I’ve personally volunteered for and chaired dozens of charitable and not-for-profit organizations. I’ve grown personally in so many ways from these experiences. Knowing you are contributing to something that can have a lasting impact on so many lives is truly empowering.

In Canada, we believe that everyone deserves an equal chance to have a prosperous and happy life. Canadian generosity and volunteerism can help make that belief a reality for many.

That is why I rise today. We all owe a debt of gratitude to our local heroes who, time and time again, give back to their communities.

Whether they once provided families with a warm meal or coached your child’s hockey team, offered free counselling services, served on your local community neighbourhood watch or provided shelter and support when your community was impacted by a natural disaster, every single one of us has been touched by the generosity of volunteers.

I call on all my honourable colleagues not only to thank the tireless efforts of Canada’s volunteers but also to encourage many more to get involved in some way and help a worthy cause, wherever you may be, from coast to coast to coast.

Today is their day, and let’s celebrate them. But let us also support them year-round as they do important work that makes our communities — indeed, our entire country — a better place for all.

Thank you.