Did you know that our PGI Bowl-a-Thon for Literacy was just one of 10 different PGI fundraising events across Canada this year? There are 12 literacy organizations affiliated with PGI Canada in different provinces and territories. Each hosts a unique event, with the goal of raising funds and awareness of literacy activities.
In 1985, well known CBC broadcaster Peter Gzowski had an idea: why not get a few friends together to play golf and raise money for literacy programs while having fun? The Peter Gzowski Invitational was born and was an instant success. The event quickly grew to take place in every province and territory. Since 1986, over $13 million has been raised for community-based literacy programs.
NWT Literacy Council’s PGI events have changed throughout the years. This year, we decided that we wanted to try a new event. Our Bowl-a-Thon was a great way to combine fun, family literacy, physical literacy, fundraising and community outreach. We had so much fun with everyone who participated and hope you did too!
We are so thankful for the $9000 that was raised for our mobile family literacy centre, the Bison Bus. All of the money raised will be used for operational costs to keep the bus on the road, as well as filling the bus with books, games and activities for families. In 2019, we were able to visit Behchoko, Fort Providence, Kakisa, Enterprise, Hay River, Fort Resolution and Fort Smith. We can’t wait for more adventures next summer.
Kathryn and I spent November 1 and 2 at the PGI National Forum. This annual meeting is an opportunity for PGI affiliated organizations to come together. Groups share their events and experiences and are able to learn from each other. This is also a chance to share ideas with each other about programs we are doing, and to support each other. It is helpful to have a room full of people who are as passionate about literacy promotion as we are.
There were also special presentations through the weekend. Jayne Hunter of Literacy Nova Scotia gave us great tips for finding and involving sponsors. Krista Poole of the CanLearn Society hosted our weekend of meetings in the Society’s space, as well as giving a presentation on Community Partnerships. Thank you to Keith Jones and Fiona Bramble for taking us through a workshop on systemic change. Their presentation on the Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy’s collective transformation was an opportunity to compare issues and barriers, but also see our common goals across different agencies.
We had a great weekend of learning and sharing. Thank you to PGI Canada for supporting our organization and for bringing us all together for this opportunity. Thank you to our colleagues from across the country for sharing your experiences with us. We invite you all to come bowl with us this spring!
- Katie Johnson, Family and Community Literacy Coordinator
