UNICEF Unite for Children Gala

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Good evening Mayor Mandel, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for inviting us to join you in support of such an important cause.

You know, when I think of everything that goes into making sure children grow into strong, healthy adults who are contributing members of society, well, first of all, it makes me realize what an amazing job my wife, Mary, did with our four sons.

I don't kid myself. I may have been banker and assistant coach of the Kwong clan, but Mary has always been head coach, president and GM where the kids and the family are concerned.

So, when I look at everything that went into raising our sons, and everything our fellow Albertans are able to offer their own families, it's heartbreaking to know that millions of children around the world are unable to enjoy the same advantages.

I can't image what it must be like for a child to rarely, or never, have access to healthy food and clean water, to be ill and have no where to turn for comfort, care and medicine or to struggle for any opportunity to attend school, only to find that there are no books or supplies when you finally get there.

For Canadians, those conditions are unthinkable, but, fortunately, they are not unfixable.

UNICEF is on the front lines in places like Malawi, and other impoverished nations. With the help of generous sponsors and donors, UNICEF is taking important steps to ensure the immediate well-being of children in need. Along with that immediate help, UNICEF is giving countless children and families hope for a stronger and healthier future.

So, thank you to everyone here for coming out this evening to play a part in that very important work. That includes National UNICEF Ambassador, Farley Flex and young pianist Jan Lisiecki. Mary and I have been following Jan's career for a while now, and we always enjoy hearing him play.

I'd also like to acknowledge the Honourable Anne McLellan for her service as chair of the Gala Patrons' Council and all of the hard-working community leaders serving as Council members.

Finally, to the UNICEF executive, staff and volunteers here this evening, and to everyone working to serve children in need, it's my honour, as Her Majesty the Queen's representative in Alberta, to thank you for the energy and compassion you're sharing with a very worthy cause.

Thank you and enjoy the rest of the evening.