Rick Mercer piped into gymnasium for warm welcome at Kincardine District Secondary School

Rick Mercer was grinning from ear-to-ear as he followed piper Nathan Smith into the gymnasium at Kincardine District Secondary School, Tuesday morning.

Once the cheering had died down, he turned to the students and said, “That's the first time I've ever entered a gymnasium with a piper!” Then, he thanked KDSS for the welcome, and said, “I know what you're thinking, my God, he's so tall!”

Mercer was at KDSS to thank the students, and particularly the Me to We group that spearheaded the fund-raising campaign, for supporting Plan Canada's Spread the Net project, providing bed nets to children in Africa to protect them from malaria which is spread by mosquitoes.

Having travelled to Africa, Mercer said it was interesting to note that one area had deteriorated so badly and it was because the people had no bed nets and were sick with malaria. Meanwhile, in another community, which had the protection of bed nets, the people were well enough to work and provide food, and schools and a hospital.

“Malaria is one of the most deadly diseases in the world, especially in children,” said Mercer. “In your lifetime, you are going to see malaria eradicated. And bed kits are playing a big part of that. And Canadian students raising money for bed nets are playing a part. And you, KDSS, are playing a part. So, thank you!”

He then had students get up and dance so the camera crew could get footage for a music video montage which will be part of the report when it airs on television. Several students and staff showed their moves for the camera. Then, Mercer had everyone lie on their backs with their feet in the air and pretend to be bacon in a pan.

The KDSS segment will be aired Tuesday, April 3, at 8 p.m., on CBC's “Rick Mercer Report.”



Rick Mercer talks to the students at KDSS Tuesday morning

After the assembly, Mercer took some time to talk to local reporters.

He said it's a real privilege to come to Kincardine and talk to students in one of the smaller schools which contribute a fair amount to the Spread the Net project. And he was thrilled to see everyone participating in the music video portion.

As for the “Rick Mercer Report,” he said the episode featuring KDSS and Spread the Net, will be the final one as the show wraps up after 15 years of political jabs and rants.

“It's bittersweet,” said Mercer. “I've had the same crew since day one, and we've been reminiscing as we wind down the show. But it's time to stop travelling. I haven't unpacked in 15 years.”

Despite covering politics and roasting politicians on his weekly report, he has remained optimistic and said it's time to do something different.

“I have big plans,” he said. “I'm just not sure what they are.”

Mercer stayed most of the day at KDSS, touring the halls and dropping in at various classrooms to talk to students and staff.



Rick Mercer talks to reporters at KDSS Tuesday morning