Got Your Goat?

Mr. Speaker, all around Parliament Hill lately, people have been buying and selling goats …… yes, goats. 

It`s all part of a fundraiser for the Children`s Bridge Foundation in association with Embrace-An-Orphanage, which challenged Parliamentarians to a goat-selling contest!

Buying goats may seem humorous to us, but it’s important to realize the role goats play in Ethiopian society.  They are a source of healthy milk and cheese.  They provide employment for herders and asset opportunities for families.

This Wednesday, we gather to see which political party has accumulated the largest herd.  I am pleased the talents of the Government House Leader have been put to good use heading the gathering of the Conservative herd of goats.

The winning Party will get to name the ceremonial goat for the following year.

Regardless of what Party wins, the true winners are the orphaned and abandoned children at the Nazareth Children`s Centre in Ethiopia. Last year the Foundation raised $100,000.00 for a nutrition and education programme for 250 orphaned children. This year, the funds will help 750 kids on the waiting list.

Let me thank all Members for the difference you are making in the lives of children living in desperate circumstances.