ABC Life Literacy Canada

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Canadian Readers Recognized Internationally for Family Literacy Day World Record Attempt

Guinness World Records™ receive documentation for more than 119,000 Canadian participants surpassing original record; Canada runner-up to new U.S. record

TORONTO, ON – April 23, 2009: ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation, Family Literacy Day (FLD) Founding Sponsor Honda Canada, and Official FLD World Record Attempt Sponsor Oxford Learning, today announced that more than 119,000 Canadians were documented participating in the FLD World Record Attempt to break the Guinness World Record for “Most Children Reading With an Adult, Multiple Locations.” The previous world record of 78,791 children and adults reading together was set in the U.S. in 2006.

In the weeks following Family Literacy Day, ABC CANADA received and processed documentation from over a thousand libraries, schools, literacy organizations, Oxford Learning Centres, Honda auto dealerships, Ivanhoe Cambridge shopping centres and YMCAs across Canada, and submitted documentation for 119,405 Canadian participants to Guinness World Records’ head office in London, England for verification. This number surpasses the original record of 78,791. ABC CANADA rallied Canadians to come together as a prelude to Family Literacy Day, an annual initiative held on January 27, and read for 30 minutes over a 24-hour period on January 23 and 24.

“The excitement of this national reading celebration was spectacular,” said Dr. Nick Whitehead, CEO, Oxford Learning. “We’d like to thank everyone who participated in the FLD World Record Attempt. It was truly a memorable event for thousands of Canadian adults and children.”

Recently, Guinness officials notified ABC CANADA that the Guinness World Record for “Most Children Reading with an Adult, Multiple Locations” had been revised.

"Guinness World Records receives approximately 60,000 applications every year, and unfortunately during Canada’s documentation process it was verified that the U.S. organization which originally set the record in 2006 set a new record with 238,620 participants," said Carey Low, the Canadian Record Keeper for Guinness World Records. "We were very impressed by the results and enthusiasm displayed in this attempt by thousands of Canadians. We congratulate Canada for this incredible attempt and for eclipsing the original record."

“Canadians should be extremely proud of their efforts during this Family Literacy Day World Record Attempt,” said Margaret Eaton, President, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation. “The event registered a great victory for family literacy. Through this national initiative we all experienced the many benefits of adults and children reading and learning together.”

In honouring the importance of reading and learning, several schools and non-profit organizations across Canada took part in the FLD World Record Attempt challenge with a chance to win one of six $1,000 cash donations. Three $1,000 awards for non-profit community groups with the highest number of participants, and three awards for the schools with the highest percentage of participation based on their school population, were available to be won.

Over 1,000 World Record Attempt events occurred across the country. Nearly 20 schools across Canada had 100 per cent of their school population participate and three of those schools were chosen in a random draw as prize winners. Congratulations to the following winners of the FLD World Record Attempt challenge:

Fort Nelson Community Literacy Society, Fort Nelson, BC – 570 participants
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy, Revelstoke, BC – 520 participants
Edmonton YMCA, Edmonton, AB – 452 participants
Holy Rosary School, Regina, SK
Tricon Elementary, Bay de Verde, NL
James Morden Public School, Niagara Falls, ON

Official cheque presentations to these organizations will occur in the coming weeks.

Overall, Family Literacy Day 2009 rallied over 263,000 Canadians from coast to coast. The page now turns to the 12th annual FLD, happening on January 27, 2010. Several ABC CANADA partners, including FLD Founding Sponsor Honda Canada, are already planning for what promises to be a successful celebration.

“Recognizing literacy and learning as a family is what Family Literacy Day is all about,” said Jerry Chenkin, Executive Vice President, Honda Canada. “Honda Canada is proud to be supporting this national initiative with ABC CANADA. We salute the many organizations who help us promote and celebrate adults and children reading and learning together.”

About Family Literacy Day

Family Literacy Day, held annually on January 27, was developed by ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and Honda Canada in 1999 to encourage families to read and learn together on a daily basis. Every year, thousands of Canadians participate in literacy activities at home and in schools, libraries and literacy organizations across the country. For more information, visit www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.

About Honda Canada

Honda is the world’s pre-eminent maker of engines for automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. With 135 manufacturing facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts more than 23 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline, Civic sedan and coupe, the Acura CSX and MDX, in addition to fuel-efficient four cylinder engines at its three plants in Alliston, Ontario.

About Oxford Learning

Since 1984, Oxford Learning has been using cognitive learning techniques to help children develop new ways of thinking, concentrating, listening, and remembering. Oxford Learning goes beyond tutoring to help students reach their learning potential, not just for one grade or one year, but for a lifetime.

About ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation

ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation is Canada’s private-sector voice championing adult literacy. The national charity envisions a Canada where individuals, regardless of their circumstances, are provided the opportunities to increase the skills that prepare people for realizing their full potential at work, at home and in the community. To learn more, visit www.abc-canada.org.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Karen Benner, Communications Manager
Phone: 416-218-0010 x 122
Toll free: 1-800-303-1004 x 122
email: kbenner@abc-canada.org

Ashley Tilley, Communications Coordinator
Phone: 416-218-0010 x 127
Toll free: 1-800-303-1004 x 127
email: atilley@abc-canada.org

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