ABC Life Literacy Canada

New initiative honours the late Peter Gzowski, legendary Canadian journalist adult literacy champion

(Toronto, ON, June 17, 2010) – Today, ABC Life Literacy Canada (formerly ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation) announced the new Peter Gzowksi Life Literacy Fellowship, created to increase public awareness of adult literacy in Canada and support one journalist with a financial contribution of $2,000 in the development of a media story attributed to adult literacy. Full details, submission criteria and entry forms can be found online at www.abclifeliteracy.ca now through to August 27, 2010.

“ABC Life Literacy Canada is delighted to introduce this new national media fellowship and continue to honour Peter Gzowski’s legacy as a champion for adult literacy,” said Margaret Eaton, President, ABC Life Literacy Canada. “Journalism is extremely important to help increase awareness and improve public understanding of our cause. We hope more warm and powerful media stories will inspire Canadians to think about the literacy skills they need to live a full engaged life.”

Since 1993, the ‘PGLAM’ (The Peter Gzowski Literacy Award of Merit) has been awarded annually to journalists including, Denise Donlon (MuchMusic), Peter Calamai (Toronto Star) and Sean Fine (Globe and Mail) among others, whose work has enhanced public understanding, support for, and awareness of the literacy cause. The Peter Gzowski Life Literacy Fellowship follows in the tradition of PGLAM.

In Canada, four out of 10 adults ages 16 to 65 continue to struggle with low literacy.

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About ABC Life Literacy Canada:
ABC Life Literacy Canada is a non-profit organization that inspires Canadians to increase their literacy skills. We mobilize business, government and communities to support lifelong learning and achieve our goals through leadership in programs, communications and partnerships. ABC Life Literacy Canada envisions a Canada where everyone has the skills they need to live a fully engaged life. For the latest news and information on adult literacy please visit www.abclifeliteracy.ca, follow us on Twitter or join our Facebook page.

For more information, please contact:
Nikki Luscombe, Communications Manager
ABC Life Literacy Canada
Tel: 416 218-0010 x122
nluscombe@abclifeliteracy.ca

Ashley Tilley, Communications Co-ordinator
ABC Life Literacy Canada
Tel: 416-218-0010, ext. 127
atilley@abclifeliteracy.ca