Can you imagine going back to schoolÔÇöto learn how to read and writeÔÇöat the age of 93? Clarence Brazier can, and he has a Canada Post Literacy Award to prove it’s never too late to change your life. Nominated by the literacy group that helped him, Clarence’s story has inspired everyone who hears it. Nominations for the 2007 Canada Post Community Literacy Awards are now open and Canadians are invited to share other inspirational stories by nominating deserving individuals and educators for an Award.
When Clarence suddenly found himself a widower at age 93, he realized that he would have to learn to read just so he could manage basics like grocery shopping and paying bills. Now, having reached the milestone of his 100th birthday, he has successfully accomplished his objective of being able to read and write!
Canada Post’s Literacy Awards were established by the company in 1993 and celebrate the achievements of both adult learners and their teachers. “These Awards acknowledge the importance and success of community-based grassroots literacy initiatives,” says Moya Greene, Canada Post’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “As a global community, we cannot ignore the role that literacy plays in a productive society. Just as important, we must acknowledge and celebrate successful literacy stories and advocates.”
Canada Post welcomes CanWest Global Communications Corp. as Presenting Sponsor of the 2007 Awards. CanWest has a proud tradition of supporting literacy across Canada. Since its inception in 2002, the CanWest Raise-a-Reader program has raised $7.45 million for local literacy beneficiaries in participating communities. “Our two companies play a strong role in bringing the written word to Canadians,” says David Asper, Executive Vice-president of CanWest Global Communications Corp. “These awards honour the people on the front lines of literacy and this partnership is an exciting adventure for both Canada Post and CanWest.”
Ms. Greene noted CanWest’s support for this year’s Canada Post Literacy Awards. “We are pleased to support the leadership of David Asper in the whole area of literacy.”
Canada Post is also pleased that The Lowe-Martin Group is returning as a sponsor of the Awards. “Our association with the Canada Post Community Literacy Awards is one we’re very proud of,” said Ward Griffin, President and CEO of The Lowe-Martin Group. “Over the past 6 years, we’ve been very impressed by the strong will to succeed shown by individual winners and encouraged by the dedication displayed by literacy educators.”
Both Mr. Asper and Mr. Griffin will also serve as Judges for this year’s Awards. The Canada Post Community Literacy Awards will recognize up to 52 individuals in two categories: Individual Achievement and Educator. Submissions must be received in Ottawa by May 25, 2007. Finalists will be named in July and winners announced in September. Winners will be recognized at ceremonies in their communities and awarded a prize of $300 (Individual) or $500 (Educator).
Anyone interested in submitting a nomination can visit the Canada Post Community Literacy Awards website at www.canadapost.ca/literacyawards for program details or to download a nomination form. Nomination booklets can be obtained by writing to:
THE 2007 CANADA POST COMMUNITY LITERACY AWARDS
2701 RIVERSIDE DRIVE SUITE N0020
OTTAWA ON
K1A 0B1
Home CCNA News