Presenting the 2008 Canada Post Community Literacy Award winners

OTTAWA (September 2, 2008) ÔÇô Canada Post today announced the winners of its 2008 Community Literacy Awards.  With winners from every region of the country, these awards, given for individual achievement and educational leadership, recognize the value of literacy and the importance of community support.

Though the stories of the individual winners may vary ÔÇô some have triumphed over personal demons while others struggled to break an economic cycle for themselves and their families ÔÇô a common thread binds each winner.  Each of them made a connection.  When they were ready to begin their literacy journey, they were able to connect with a community partner who not only taught the words, but shared the passion for learning.

“Once again our judges struggled to pick our winners from the many compelling submissions,” said Robert Waite, Senior vice-president of Corporate Social Responsibility at Canada Post.  “But as we worked through each submission it became clear that without a literacy partner, success would never have been possible.  It’s the results from these connections that we celebrate with the Canada Post Community Literacy Awards.”

For a full list of winners, visit canadapost.ca/literacyawards.

This year marks the 16th edition of the Canada Post Community Literacy Awards.  Prizes and awards will be presented at local ceremonies over the next few weeks; winners in the Individual Achievement Award category will receive a cash award of $300 and a Certificate of Achievement.  Educator Award category winners each receive a cash award of $500 and a Certificate of Achievement.

Canada Post is very grateful for the support shown by the program’s sponsors: CanWest Global Communications Corp. as Presenting Sponsor, and The Lowe-Martin Group.