Dec 18 - McNally High School Christmas Pancake Breakfast - Laurie joined Mayor Mandel, City Councillors, provincial MLAs, the Edmonton Police Service, sports team members and many others in helping the staff and students of McNally High serve a community pancake breakfast in support of Cops for Cancer.

The scene at the Home of the Tigers

Dec - Seniors visits - As is customary at this time of year, Laurie visited many seniors homes to bring cake and some Christmas cheer.  It's always a pleasure to spend time with people who have done so much to make Canada the great country that it is.

Tegler Terrace

McQueen

Canterbury Court

Dec 17 - Christmas Bureau Breakfast - Laurie and Judy attended the annual Christmas Bureau Breakfast at the Westin Hotel along with hundreds of Edmontonians raising money for this very worthy cause.

Dec 16 - Meals on Wheels - Laurie joined dozens of other community people in preparing meals for those in need.  Making salads and cutting up about 50 pounds of chicken gets anyone a bit more in touch with the reality of the challenges facing many Edmontonians.

Dec 16 - Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre - Laurie joined staff and volunteers in serving Christmas dinner to many of the less fortunate in our city.  The Centre does excellent work in getting people off the streets and into their own accommodations.

Serving the folks an excellent dinner

Dec 15 - Citizenship - Laurie helped preside over two citizenship ceremonies that officially welcomed about 100 new citizens to their chosen land.  It's always a rewarding experience to see how proud and happy they all are with their decision.

Dec 15 - RCMP Town Hall - Laurie attended a town hall at 'K' Division of the RCMP to discuss pension issues.  There is a lot of similarity between issues facing the RCMP and those facing the Canadian Forces.

Dec 14 - Crestwood Curling Club - Laurie delivered the good news to the Crestwood Curling Club that they will receive funding of $213,000 under the Recreational Infrastructure Canada Program (RInC) to upgrade that facility, so that it can better serve the needs of their community.

Delivering the good news

Dec 13 - 15 Service Battalion and Youth Emergency Shelter Society - Again this year, Laurie joined members of 15 Service Battalion in bringing Christmas cheer to staff and and young people at the Youth Emergency Shelter Society.  YESS provides a place where young frightened kids and teenagers with problems can go for help when they are in a crisis.  15 Service Battalion is a Reserve unit of the Canadian Forces and plays a major role in the ongoing support of YESS and CF operations.

With the head cheerleader

Some of those being cheered

Dec 13 - Chabad Lubovitch Candle Ceremony - Laurie joined other elected officials and many members of Edmonton's Jewish community for the 18th annual Chabad Lubovitch candle lighting ceremony at the Alberta Legislature.  Laurie spoke a bit of Hebrew at the event that marks the start of the Jewish celebration of Chanukah.

With Premier Stelmach, Rabbi Ari and Mayor Mandel

Trying out his Hebrew at the Leg

Dec 12 - Christmas Open House - Laurie hosted the annual open house at the Crestwood Community League.  Hundreds of people dropped in to share some great food and refreshments and get into the Christmas spirit

Showing Christmas and Olympic spirit

Dec 5 - Century 21 Christmas Bureau Breakfast - Laurie and Judy joined a good crowd of people at the Royal Mayfair Golf and Country Club in support of the Edmonton Christmas Bureau.  Mike and Sylvia Kozicki of Century 21 Realty sponsor this annual event and are great examples of what caring Edmontonians can accomplish.

Nov 28 - Holodomor - Laurie spoke and laid a wreath at the City Hall commemoration of the 1932 - 1933 famine / genocide in Ukraine perpetrated by the Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.  As many as ten million people died during this dark chapter in human history.

Making remarks

Laying a wreath on behalf of Canada

Nov 28 - Royal Artillery Band at the Winspear - Laurie and Judy joined the Royal Artillery Band for a concert at the Winspear Centre.  This is one of the few full bands remaining in the Canadian Forces and they performed a dazzling program to an appreciative audience.

Local senior military leadership joins the band for a number

Nov 28 - Evan's Game - Laurie joined the crowd at the Edmonton Soccer Centre West for the annual fund-raising game between an under-18 team and a team from the Edmonton Police Service.  The event is called Evan's Game in memory of Evan Grykuliak who was stabbed to death on his 17th birthday in 2006.  A dedicated group of parents in the Crestwood area started a charity in the name of EVAN - End Violence Act Now.  The charity raises funds to support programs in Edmonton schools to stop bullying.

With the under-18 EVAN team 

Nov 28 - North Glenora Turkey Dinner - Laurie and Judy joined members of the North Glenora Community League for their annual Christmas turkey dinner.  The meal was excellent and the Christmas spirit was enjoyable.

Nov 21 - Red Boots and Bubbly - Laurie and Judy joined a sell-out crowd at the Edmonton Jubilee Auditorium for the annual fund-raising gala for Edmonton's world famous Shumka Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.  The performance was spectacular and Edmontontonians gave generously to keep them dancing.

Nov 20 - Canada Career Week - Laurie brought greetings to a breakfast at Northlands to mark the opening of the 13th Annual Canada Career Week.  The event was an opportunity for young people to explore career opportunities open to them. 

Addressing the crowd

Nov 20 - Crestwood School - Laurie spent time with students at Crestwood School talking about the working sof the Canadian Government and what life is like as a Member of Parliament.

Nov 20 - Aboriginal Youth and Family Well-Being - Laurie dropped in on this 13th Annual event to show his support and to help raise money for aboriginal youth and family programs.

Nov 20 - Alberta Citizens with Disabilitiies - Laurie dropped in on this annual event to show his support for the programs that allow Albertans with disabilitiies to lead more normal lives and to reach their full potential.

Nov 15 - 90th Birthday - Laurie brought greetings to the 90th birthday party for constituent Stella Victor at the Polish Hall.  It was a great family gathering for a lady who obviously occupied a special place in their hearts.

With the birthday girl

Nov 14 - National Congress of Chinese Canadians (NCCC) - Laurie joined a large group of Chinese Canadians from across the country for their annual meeting.  Laurie brought greetings to the business meeting and delivered the keynote address at the luncheon.  The NCCC is one of the organizations that represents the interests of Canada's large Chinese community.

With NCCC delegates

Nov 14 - Farmfair International - Laurie attended the reception to kick off this annual event at the new Edmonton Expo Centre (Northlands).  Since its inception in 1974, Farmfair International has held the reigns as a top business destination for the global livestock industry. Each year, over 100,000 guests come together to see, show and sell top quality livestock in Edmonton.

Nov 14 - Political Hockey Showdown - Laurie played the low level role of gate guard for the team of Conservative MPs who took on a team of Leduc and area community leaders to raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of Leduc.  Well over $50,000 was raised and the team of MPs didn't fare nearly as well on the scoreboard.  Too much rubber chicken?

With one of the Conservative stars, Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence

Nov 13 - Constituency Day - Another day spending personal time with individual constituents.

Nov 13 - Chamber of Commerce Luncheon with Jim Prentice - Laurie and several hundred Edmontonians attended lunch at the Sutton Place and listened to Environment Minister Jim Prentice discuss Canada's plans for the upcoming Copenhagen Summit on the Environment.

Nov 13 - Business Roundtable - Laurie facilitated a roundtable with the Minister of State for Small Business and Tourism Diane Ablonczy and several Edmonton small and medium sized business owners.  A variety of issues relevant to business development were discussed and an excellent exchange of views and ideas was possible

The MP for Calgary Nosehill is and Eskimo fan??

With some Edmonton business owners

Nov 13 - Freedom Worth Fighting For - Laurie gave one of three presentations at this event organized by the Concordia College Conservative Students Club.   Other presenters were Master Corporal (retired) Paul Franklin and political commentator Ezra Levant.  Laurie's topic was Canada's record of fighting for freedom throughout our history.

With student organizers and other presenters.

Nov 12 - Cowboy Breakfast - Laurie joined a large group of Edmonton cowboys and cowgirls for the breakfast to kick off the Canadian Finals Rodeo Week.  Laurie happily paid the fine of $20 for not wearing a cowboy hat and the money raised went to charity.

Nov 12 - U of A Business Ethics Class - Laurie delivered a lecture to a 2nd / 3rd year Business Ethics class and was proud to be the first person to sign the Code of Ethics that the class had drawn up.  The Code of Ethics will be circulated to many others in all segments of society.

Signing the Code of Ethics under the watchful eye of instructor Sharon Ryan.

Nov 12 - Association of Fundraising Professionals National Philanthropy Day Awards Celebration - Laurie joined a very large crowd at the Shaw Conference Centre for this annual event to recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—have made to our lives, our communities and our world. The Edmonton & Area Chapter of AFP was founded in 1996, and has grown to a thriving and dynamic leadership group of over 180 members.  Their mission is to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education, and certification programs within the Edmonton area and beyond.  The Edmonton & Area Chapter is an active partner in conferences, workshops and leadership presentations throughout western Canada.

Nov 12 - Ukrainian Canadian Congress Awards Dinner - Laurie and Judy attended this annual event at the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex.  A number of leaders from the Ukrainian community in Edmonton were honoured for their service by the Government of Ukraine.

Award winners, including Premier Ed Stelmach.

November 11th - REMEMBRANCE DAY - Laurie spent the whole day at various events to honour the sacrifice of Canadian men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in their service to Canada and the World.  Events included laying a wreath on behalf of the Government of Canada at the Butterdome before a crowd of over 5,000 people.  Visits to Legions were followed by speaking at the annual Remembrance Day Service at the Meadowcroft Seniors Residence.

March Past at the Butterdome for the Lieutenant Governor Norman L. Kwong

Speaking to Meadowcroft seniors with veteran Roy Willis

Meadowcroft Choir

Nov 10 - Stratford School - Laurie took great pleasure in speaking to the kindergarten class at Stratford School about the meaning of Remembrance Day. 

With the ruly mob

Nov 10 - McNally High School Remembrance Day - Laurie gave a speech and laid a wreath at a very well done Remembrance Day Ceremony at McNally Senior High.  Teachers and staff put on an excellent program and set a good example for other schools.

Nov 10 - Norwood Legion - Laurie joined a lunch group at the Norwood Legion to talk about the issues of the day.

Nov 10 - Churchill Remembrance Day Ceremonies - Laurie spoke and laid a wreath at this annual event attended by a large number of people of the Churchill Residence.  It was a moving ceremony with a lot of varied participation.

Lots of participants

Nov 10 - RInC Funding for Hazeldean CL - Laurie announced funding of $162,850 for projects to upgrade their facilities and enhance the quality of life for residents of the Hazeldean community.

Delivering the news

Nov 9 - U of A Conservative Association Remembrance Day BBQ - Laurie flipped sausages with students from the U of A in support of veterans during Remembrance Week.

You want fries with that? 

Nov 9 - Afghanistan Presentation - Laurie gave a detailed presentation to a group of students at the University of Alberta and answered questions on the mission in Afghanistan. 

With Edmonton - Strathcona Conservative candidate Ryan Hastman before the presentation 

Nov 8 - 16 Wing Borden - Laurie visited 16 Wing Borden north of Toronto to deliver the keynote address at their annual all-ranks mess dinner.  He also took the opportunity to tour their facilities where Canadian Forces technicians receive training.  The flight line at Borden is where the Royal Canadian Air Force was born and it is a national historic site that needs some attention. 

Camp Borden flight line in World War I 

Colourful day in Camp Borden's history

With old friend the de Havilland Tiger Moth in which Laurie has a few hours

Nov 7 - Ponoka Mayor's Prayer Breakfast - Laurie drove to Ponoka for the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast and to deliver a presentation on our mission in Afghanistan.  The food and fellowship were good and the presentation was well-received.

Telling the story of Afghanistan 

Oct 24 / 25 - Warrior Sea Cadets - Laurie attended and spoke to the dinner commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the 27th Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps - The Warriors.  The following day at HMCS Nonsuch, Laurie acted as Reviewing Officer for the parade that featured current sea cadets and many from throughout the Corps' 75-year history.  #27 Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps Warrior is part of the Canadian Sea Cadet Program, an organization catering to youth between the ages of 12-18.  There is no cost to join the program, as it is sponsored in partnership by the Navy League of Canada and the Department of National Defence.  In addition to regular Thursday night training and weekend camps, 27 RCSCC Warrior has a number of teams and programs available for cadets to participate in. 

Warriors on parade.

Oct 24 - Door knocking - Laurie and volunteers meeting residents of Edmonton Centre where they live and listening to their concerns.

Oct 24 - RCAF mural unveiling - Laurie brought remarks to the Alberta Aviation Museum on Kingsway and the unveiling of a mural to commemorate the role that the Women's Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force played in their history.

The photo mural of WD history

Oct 18 - Soldiers depart - Laurie went to the International Airport to send off and wish the best to a contingent of Edmonton soldiers heading for duty in Afghanistan.

Oct 18 - Ukrainian Fund Raiser - Laurie attended a fund raiser for the Pochaiv / Klenovi Lyst Safe House in Ukraine.  The guest speaker was Victor Malarek, who has written a number of compelling books about the evils of human trafficking and the sex trade.  His presentation was eye-opening and a nice sum of money was raised to support a worthy cause.

Oct 18 - Philippine Flood Relief - Laurie brought support to the Edmonton Philippine community  who were raising money and collecting donations in-kind to bring relief to the people of the Philippines who are dealing with the devastation of mass flooding.  It's rewarding to see the generosity of Canada and Canadians when disaster strikes anywhere in the world.

Oct 17 - Door knocking - More time at the door with constituents.

Oct 16 - Annunciation School - Laurie spent an hour reading to young students of Annunciation School and talking to them about his role as a Member of Parliament.

Attentive crowd

Oct 16 - Terra Baby Heroes Campaign - Laurie contributed diapers to the campaign in support of the Terra Centre for Pregnant and Parenting Teens.  The centre for pregnant and parenting teens has been serving youth in Edmonton since 1971. Each year approximately 600 young families access our Terra's teenage pregnancy support services. Terra seeks the involvement of individuals and groups through community partnerships to support young families in the community.  Terra is an organization dedicated to helping pregnant teens develop strategies to cope with teen pregnancy and transition smoothly into parenthood. A range of support programs and services are offered for teen moms, young dads, and their children.

Destined for little bums. 

Oct 16 - Soldiers depart - Laurie saw off another contingent of Edmonton soldiers on their way to Afghanistan.  God speed!

Oct 15 - Constituency Day - Inviting people in to the office to hear their concerns and deal with their personal issues.

Oct 15 - Downtown Business Association Fall Luncheon - Laurie brought greetings to this anual event that brings together members of the Downtown Business Association.  The Downtown Business Association’s primary role is to maintain and increase the vitality – both real and perceived – of the downtown core of Edmonton.  Through its leadership in advocacy and promotion, the Downtown Business Association will ensure that downtown Edmonton is the preferred place to live, work, shop, play and learn.

Oct 15 - Dnipro 25th Anniversary - Laurie presented a certificate to members of Dnipro Seniors Residence on the occasion of their 25th Anniversary.

Happy 25th Anniversary

Oct 15 - Crime Council Town Hall / Safety Forum - Laurie attended a meeting at the Westmount Community Hall that featured a number of speakers from the Edmonton Police Service and other organizations dedicated to making our communities safer.  Topics were wide-ranging and a lot of information was made available.  It was a good example of  neighbourhoods working together to make life better.

Oct 14 - Soldiers depart - Another send-off for brave and dedicated Canadians committed to doing the right thing in Afghanistan.

Oct 14 - Servus Credit Union Polish Community Awards - Laurie brought greetings in Polish and English to this annual event that celebratess the achievements and contributions by members of Edmonton's Polish community.

Laurie receiving an award in appreciation for his support of the Polish community.

Oct 11 - Kelowna Marathon - Laurie and his son Robb competed in the half marathon and full marathon, respectively, with Laurie walking and Robb running.  Both achieved a personal best and Laurie won his age group with a time of 2 hours and 55 minutes.  Exercise keeps you young.

With Robb and son-in-law Jeff.

Oct 8 - HIV Edmonton announced the results of the 2009 Scotiabank AIDS Walk for Life at a wrap-up party at Woody’s Pub, held Thursday October 8.  For the fourth year, MP Laurie Hawn was named Top Walker, winning a trip for two to NYC to participate in AIDS Walk New York and attend all corresponding VIP events. Mr. Hawn wanted to recognize the commitment and efforts of someone that has supported HIV Edmonton and this event for a long time and has donated this prize to Annabelle Wright.  Ms. Wright has participated in 16 of the 18 Walks for Life held in Edmonton.

Pictured below is Oula Sanduga, Constituency Assistant for Laurie Hawn, MP and Annabelle Wright.

Oct 4 and 10 - Soldiers depart - Soldiers from the Edmonton Garrison depart for Afghanistan with a send-off at the International Airport and best wishes from Laurie as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of National Defence.

Oct 4 - Hetman Awards -  Laurie brought greetings in Ukrainian and English to this annual event to honour the contributions and achievements of members of Edmonton's Unkrainian community.

Laying his best Ukrainian on the audience 

Oct 4 - Edmonton Chinese 60th Anniversary Cultural Gala - Laurie brought greetings in Cantonese and English to the Winspear Centre to mark this important anniversary.  A dazzling and colourful performance of music and dance thrilled the sell-out crowd.

Chatting in Cantonese

Some of the dazzling performers

Oct 3 - Ridna Shkola 50th Anniversary - Laurie and Judy attended the 50th Anniversary of Ridna Shkola, which promotes the Unkrainian langauge and culture to young Canadians.

With commedienne Luba Goy

Oct 3 - Film Screening - Laurie introduced the movie The Way We Get By to the audience at the Edmonton International Film Festival.  The movie is the story of people in Bangor, Maine who send off and welcome home American service personnel on their way to and from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The story is particularly relevant to Edmontonians who have played the same role in our commitment to Canadian servicemen and women.

Sep 27 - Edmonton Viets Association Mid-Autumn Festival - Laurie brought greetings in Vietnamese and English to this annual festival for children similar to Halloween in North America. Trung Thu is traditionally held on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, the same day as the full moon. This children festival is only second in popularity to the New Year Celebration. Tet Trung Thu celebrates the end of the harvest season and the parents finally get a chance to spend quality time with their children.

Remarks in Vietnamese and English 



 

Some of the Trung Thu children

Sep 26 - Seniors Housing Forum - At the Central Lions Senior Centre, Laurie brought greetings to hundreds of people who had gathered to discuss seniors housing issues, an important topic for Edmonton seniors.

Sep 26 - Queen Elizabeth Pool Funding - Laurie joined Albert Minister of Community Spirit Lindsay Blackett and several other officials for the sod-turning ceremony of the new Queen Elizabeth Pool next to the Kinsmen Centre.  The pool will be an important addition to the Edmonton family recreational scene.

Turning (or throwing) the sod.

Sep 26 - Soldiers depart - Laurie said farewell to another group of soldiers heading for Afghanistan.

Laurie's nephew Corporal Cameron Smith heading for Afghanistan

Sep 26 - Support the Troops Gala - Laurie joined a long lost of military and civilian dignitaries at the Edmonton Expo Centre to support the troops and raise money for the military families fund.  It was an excellent evening of food and entertainment and showed, again, how much Edmonton cares about Canada's military.

With Chief of the Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk and MP Mike Lake

Sep 25 - Mennonite Centre for Newcomers - Laurie spoke to a class and answered questions about government in Canada.  The Mennonite Reception Centre provides very valuable service to immigrants in such areas as language training and job search.

With the class and instructor Marnie Bestman

Commenting on behalf of the Government of Canada




Deputy Commissioner Rod Knecht and Contable Lundblad's father pay respects.

Sep 25 - U of A Celebration of Teaching and Learning - Laurie joined fellow MPs Mike Lake and Tim Uppal in presenting awards to deserving students and staff at the University of Alberta's annual Celebration of Teaching and Learning.  This year the U of A celebrated over 300 exemplary individuals: faculty who bring their research to life in the classroom; graduate and undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves for outstanding academic and extracurricular work; and staff that support learning.

Gowned up with MPs Mike Lake and Tim Uppal

 

Sep 25 - Meals on Wheels Celebrity Auction - Laurie went to the Hotel Macdonald to be auctioned off in support of the Meals on Wheels program that does so much to help bring meals to Edmontonians who have difficulty getting out.  Bernie Robataille was the winning bidder and an excellent lunch was enjoyed at a later date.

With high bidder Bernie Robataille of the Press Gallery.

Sep 24 - Soldiers depart - Another trip to the Edmonton International Airport to wish farewelll and good luck.

Sep 24 - Lakeland Ridge School - Laurie went to the school to address a number of classes about the life of an MP and how government functions in Canada.  It's always fun to spend time with inquisitive young minds.

Talking to the class.

Sep 22 – Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues – Laurie attended the annual barbecue of the organization that oversees the operation of the 150 community leagues in the Edmonton area.

Sep 22 – Caring Canadians – Laurie joined Lieutenant-Governor Norman Kwong and Mary Kwong at a Government House ceremony to honour two Caring Canadians for their contributions to their communities through volunteer activities.  Laurie brought congratulations from the federal government to Mr. James Cupido and Mr. John Kolanchey, who have set excellent examples for their fellow citizens.

Sep 22 – Constituency Day – Laurie and his staff spent a big chunk of the day meeting with constituents and finding ways to help them with a variety of situations.

Sep 21 – Peter MacKay Reception – Laurie hosted Hon Peter MacKay and over 200 other people at a reception at the Hotel Macdonald.  It was an excellent evening of conversation with new and old friends.

Hon Peter MacKay, Laurie and Laurie’s excellent staff from Edmonton and Ottawa

Sep 21 – Cold Lake Funding – Laurie accompanied the Hon Peter MacKay to 4 Wing Cold Lake to announce $170 million in infrastructure funding that will create jobs and improve the quality of life for the service members and civilians on the base.

Chatting with old friends at Cold Lake.

Sep 21 – Laurie joined the Hon Peter MacKay at Edmonton’s Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital for an update on their Courage Centre Project.  The Glenrose is the foremost rehabilitation hospital in Canada and continues to do excellent work for our wounded soldiers and civilians alike.

Getting briefed at the Glenrose



Quick drop in with Edmonton CF recruiters

Sep 20 – Repatriation at Trenton – Laurie joined Governor General Michaelle Jean, the Hon Peter MacKay and the Chief of the Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk at the sombre repatriation ceremony at CFB Trenton for the return from Afghanistan of Private Jonathan Couturier of the Royal 22^nd Regiment (The Vandoos). 

Sep 20 – Battle of Britain Parade – Laurie attended and laid a wreath at the Canadian Aviation Museum as part of the 69^th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain.  A large crowd enjoyed a warm, sunny day and the flypasts of many vintage aircraft that reminded all of the heroism and sacrifice of “the few” in the dark days of 1940.

Paying respects with Hon Peter MacKay



Mynarski Lancaster and Air Force Ensign

Sep 20 – Canadian Army Run – Laurie did the 5K event as part of the 2009 Canadian Army Run in Ottawa.   The event has grown rapidly to over 11,000 participants and included several dozen runners and walkers who have suffered the loss of limbs in Afghanistan or other actions.  Orillia-based Rick Ball broke a world record for the single-leg amputee half marathon, with a time of 1:20:44.9 (the previous record was 1:21:46); and Master Corporal Jody Mitic, who lost both legs in a landmine accident two-and-a-half years ago successfully completed his first-ever half marathon.

Getting ready to serve pasta to the troops with Chief of the Land Staff LGen Andrew Leslie and the Hon Peter MacKay


Ready to run with Army Sergeant Major Ford, Hon Peter MacKay, Hon John Baird and LGen Leslie 

Sep 19 – Meeting with Czech MND – Laurie joined the Honourable Peter MacKay to host and hold discussions with the Minister of National Defence from the Czech Republic.  The Czechs have become a valuable addition to the NATO alliance and our two countries are opening new contacts for business and cultural exchanges every day.

(l-r) Laurie, Czech Minister Martin Bartak, Honourable Peter MacKay, Czech Ambassador Zebrakovsky

Sep 14 – Parliament reconvenes after a very busy summer.

Sep 13 – Jasper Place Legion Decoration Day – Laurie spoke and laid a wreath at this annual event to decorate the graves of veterans with poppies.  Members of the Jasper Place Legion and cadets put poppies on hundreds of graves and a service of remembrance serves to keep the memories of courage and sacrifice alive.

Addressing the parade

Serving hungry firefighters at Glenwood C.L.

Sep 12 - Laurier Heights Community League 50th Anniversary - Laurie and Judy joined hundreds of residents of Laurier Heights as they celebrated a half-century of being a focal point for activities for the family.  A parade, barbecue, dog show and spectacular fireworks were all part of an excellent celebration.

Expert Laurier Heights hula-hoopers. 

Laurie and Judy in vintage 1959 MGA

Sep 12 - Superwalk for Parkinsons - Laurie and Judy hit the road in Rundle Park to help raise money for research and treatment in this annual 5K walk.  Parkinson’s disease is a chronic neurodegenerative illness of the brain that causes the slow but dramatic deterioration of motor functions over time.  More than 9,000 Albertans and 100,000 Canadians are affected by Parkinson’s disease; this number is expected to double by 2016.  Parkinson’s disease affects men and women from all ethnic, social and economic backgrounds. This disease is neither contagious nor a natural part of aging. 

Sep 11 - Go Centre Announcement - Laurie joined Hon. Rona Ambrose and the rest of the Edmonton Federal Conservative team to announce major funding for the Edmonton Go Centre.  The Conservative Government added a whopping $14.8 million to funds from the Province and the City to bring to fruition a project that will result in a world-class multi-use facility and Canadian wellness centre.  Partnership by all three levels of government can make great things happen.

Nice cheque!

With Edmonton Food Bank Executive Director Marjorie Bencz

Sep 10 – Drive for Shelter Golf Tournament – Laurie joined over 120 other golfers and helped raise over $108,000 for the Jasper Place Health and Wellness Centre in their successful efforts to get people off the streets and into their own accommodation.

Edmonton Eskimo Cheerleaders helping to “raise” money.

Taking questions.

With Dutch Ambassador Wim Geerts and sporting his medal from the March at Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Showing the money to Norquest President Dr. Wayne Shillington, MLA Thomas Lukazsuk and Wendy Kinsella (Chairman of the Board)

Sep 08 – Northlands Excitement – Laurie attended the unveiling of a new Northlands addition to their growing consumer and convention facilities.  As usual with Northlands, the event was conducted with panache and excitement.  Northlands is a very important driver of the Edmonton economy and has been fulfilling that role for over 130 years.

Sep 07 – Unveiling “Giants of Edmonton” – Laurie brought greetings and praise for an excellent project to the unveiling of the third is a series of “Giants of Edmonton”.  The project is intended to recognize significant Edmontonians and to help eradicate graffiti.  The first two “Giants” were Lois Hole and Joey Moss.  Royal Canadian Legion Branch 178 (Norwood) was the site for the work of a local artist honouring the Canadian soldier and depicting the transition from leaving the Canadian family behind to go to Afghanistan to serve the Afghan family.

Sep 05 – Door knocking – It was back to the streets with Laurie and a team of volunteers staying in touch with constituents and their issues.

Sep 04 – University of Alberta Week of Welcome – Laurie attended the U of A Conservative Club table to answer questions and chat with students as they settle into their new academic tear.

Signing the banner.

Sep 04 – Citadel Theatre funding – Laurie brought the great news to the Citadel Theatre that they are receiving $2.5 million towards renovations that are required to keep this excellent theatre venue safely operating into the future.  Laurie used the posters from the upcoming season to tell the story of the political and funding situation in a tongue-in-cheek fashion before his more serious remarks about the strength and value of Edmonton’s theatre scene and the cooperation between all three levels of government to make projects like this happen.  More economic stimulus for Edmonton and more jobs for Edmontonians.

Sep 03 – Mental Health Board Charity Golf Tournament – Laurie displayed his (limited) golfing skills and helped raise money for mental health at the Riverside Golf Course.  One-in-five Canadians will suffer from a mental health disorder in their lives and this is an important area in which to bring awareness and support.