May 17, 2006
Members Statements
Bell Walk For Kids

MLA Ron Cantelon made the following statement in the Legislative chambers today.

“On May 7 of this year I took part, along with the member opposite from Nanaimo, in the fifth annual Bell Walk for Kids Help Phone event. The help phone line is a vital service to our young people aged five to 20 in crisis. The crisis may be bullying, relationships. It could be abuse, self-image, depression. Intervention and support at these pivotal times can change a life, maybe save a life. The Kids Help Phone counsellors answer calls and questions every day from kids across Canada who need support, information, or even referral to a local community or support agency. Thousands of children rely on this great service to help them in time of need. The help phone provides young people with immediate help and hope that they need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, toll-free and in both official languages.

“In Nanaimo alone, the walk raised $14,000, a $4,000 increase over last year. In B.C. we raised $144,000 thanks to the hard work of volunteers in Nanaimo, Vancouver, Victoria, where the walk began, White Rock and Kelowna. Nationally the event was a big success: 20,000 people, approximately 45 communities, raised a grand total of $2.7 million, an increase of $600,000. All of the proceeds from this great event go to the Kids Help Phone.

“I'd like to thank the sponsors, Cathy Power and Jason Lambrick of Bell Canada in Nanaimo, Donna Vidal of the Country Club Mall in Nanaimo and Nora Loftus, who chaired and enthusiastically led it seemed like an army of volunteers that made this great event in Nanaimo a tremendous success. Their support will make a difference in thousands of young people's lives across the country.”

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