Hon. Judy A. White: Honourable senators, I’m thrilled to have Tom Jackson join us today at the Senate of Canada.
As you’ve already heard, Thomas Dale Jackson, Companion of the Order of Canada, is a famous Canadian actor and singer. He created and starred in an annual series of Christmas concerts called The Huron Carole, which ran for 18 years. He played Billy Twofeathers on “Shining Time Station” and Peter Kenidi on “North of 60.” He also served as the chancellor of Trent University, and he currently stars in a Canadian-made series called “Sullivan’s Crossing.”
Yes, Tom is an icon in the entertainment industry, but if you ask him what he does, Tom’s answer is simply, “I save lives.”
Tom is the Senior Vice-President and Strategic Adviser for a First Nations-owned transportation corridor known as NeeStaNan, which means “All of Us” in Cree. The corridor aims to open a pathway from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario to the world by building crucial infrastructure — rail, ports and airports — connecting our communities to global markets and new opportunities. This company will generate billions annually for First Nations and for the Canadian economy. NeeStaNan saves lives through community development, education, employment and hope.
Today, though, I want to highlight one of his nearest and dearest projects called Santa’s Crazy Sox Box. It is Tom’s national campaign that collects socks, toques, scarves and other warm winter gear to give to those in need across the country. It should be noted that socks are the number one requested item by shelters throughout this country to keep feet warm and prevent serious health issues in the winter.
Tom started Santa’s Crazy Sox Box on the set of “Sullivan’s Crossing” four years ago, with hundreds of socks being brought in by everyone. Since then, the campaign has expanded, and it welcomes Canadians to get involved by grabbing a box, tape on the downloadable poster featuring Tom’s face and start collecting. In Tom’s own words:
A pair of socks is like a hug for your feet, a small act of love that can warm Canada up and save lives this winter.
I would like to thank Tom for this incredible initiative and congratulate him on the positive impact he’s having on our communities and our country.
Wela’lin. Thank you.
Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.