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I rise in this hon. House today to congratulate an
outstanding volunteer in my district, Ms Melita Paul.
Mr. Speaker, Melita Paul is a recipient of the
Regional Volunteer of the Year Award by the Canadian
Diabetes Association. Her commitment and dedicated
personality have certainly afforded her this
recognition.
Mr. Speaker, as we all know, volunteers are special
people and they all deserve honouring. Melita Paul is no
exception. She is a native of Charlottetown, Labrador,
and she has significantly contributed to raising
diabetes awareness in that part of our Province. She
started as an eager member of the Diabetes Strategy
Committee, while the provincial diabetes strategy was
just being developed in the Province.
Over time, she has recognized and co-ordinated annual
diabetes walks throughout the Coast of Labrador. Her
commitment to the Canadian Diabetes Association is
admirable and many members would have met her recently
at the diabetes dinner and information session that was
hosted for MHAs here in St. John’s.
Mr. Speaker, it is important to note the significance
of advocating diabetes awareness, for over two million
Canadians have diabetes, and this number is expected to
increase to three million in the next decade. Educating
the public on preventable measures, the prevalence and
cost of diabetes, is essential.
Mr. Speaker, Ms Paul is currently a devoted member of
the Diabetes Advocacy Committee and I am grateful that
her efforts are being recognized by this society.
I ask all my hon. colleagues to join me in
congratulating her on receiving this award, and wish her
all the best in her future advocacy efforts.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. |
