Adult Literacy Supporters Set to Tee-up 2009 Peter Gzowski Invitationals

Largest national literacy fundraiser across every province and territory kicks off next week in Nunavut

TORONTO, ON – April 27 2009: ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and lead event sponsor Great West Life, London Life and Canada Life are pleased to announce that the Peter Gzowski Invitational (PGI) Golf Tournaments for Literacy, a national fundraiser to raise money for local literacy organizations and adult learners in Canada, will kick off its 24th season on April 29 in Pond Inlet, Nunavut and roll out across the country through to the end of September.

The annual event, which takes place in every province and territory in Canada, raises much-needed resources for thousands of adult learners. The support provides adult learners with access to opportunities that increase their literacy skills and prepare them to realize their full potential at work, at home and in the community. The PGIs were founded in 1986 by the late Canadian broadcaster and journalist Peter Gzowski, who dedicated much of his time and efforts to the literacy cause. The PGIs have raised more than 10 million dollars (net) to support literacy initiatives in the provinces and territories where the tournaments are held, making it the largest national literacy fundraiser in Canada.

“The PGIs have continued to be the leading fundraiser for community-based volunteer literacy programs for 24 years because they do more than raise dollars for the cause,” says Jenny Marcus, PGI National Director. “The PGIs are an expression of the importance of literacy by communities as well as national organizations – a way for them to demonstrate the vital role that literacy plays both locally and Canada-wide.”

Each tournament is organized by a dedicated group of local volunteers and reflects the unique spirit of the provinces and territories in which they are hosted. PGI Nunavut will play golf in the ice and snow, on a course specially created for the tournament. The PGIs present great fun, food and entertainment for its golfers, who all hit the links in support of the literacy cause.

“In my association with the PGIs, I have come to understand some of the many reasons why a person has low literacy skills – including learning challenges that undermined self-confidence, difficult childhood circumstances or perhaps economic pressures that short-circuited educational opportunities,” says Peter Mansbridge, CBC News Chief Correspondent, Anchor of The National and National Spokesperson for the PGIs. “Every adult learner I have met expresses so much gratitude to their tutor for imparting the gift of literacy. By participating in a PGI event, you help hugely in delivering that gift.”

To find out how to participate in or support the tournaments, please visit www.pgicanada.ca. The 2009 launch of the PGIs begins in Nunavut with special guest musicians Russell deCarle, Barney Bentall, Connie Kaldor, Mike Stevens and Kendel Carson, as well as Denise Donlon and Shelagh Rogers of CBC.

Tournament dates are as follows:

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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ABC Life Literacy Canada

Adult Literacy Supporters Set to Tee-up 2009 Peter Gzowski Invitationals

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