ABC Life Literacy Canada

Now that April has arrived, the spirit of Spring Cleaning is in the air. Spring marks the perfect time for improvement – whether it be to your house, your car or your fitness! ABC CANADA is encouraging all Canadians to consider upgrading literacy skills as part of their list of spring "to-do's". We know that learning never stops, no matter how old you are, and there are many fun ways to keep your skills sharp. For a list of fun ideas to sharpen your literacy skills this spring, click here.

Today is International Literacy Day! Started by UNESCO in 1966, the day highlights the importance of literacy to individuals, communities and societies. Approximately 776 million adults worldwide and nine million Canadians lack the minimum literacy skills needed to communicate with others and engage fully and confidently in life’s activities and opportunities. Every year on this day, celebrations take place around the world to support literacy and adult learning. This year, celebrate with millions of others by taking the International Literacy Day Challenge. And don't forget to take our weekly International Literacy Day Poll!

The literacy topic has been all over the news lately thanks to the dedication of literacy supporters. Our cause is now being heard about nation-wide by the general public, government and private sector. Let's keep literacy top of mind by stressing its importance so that one day, all Canadians will have access to opportunities that increase their literacy skills and prepare them to realize their full potential.

Check out some of the most recent news stories on literacy:

Literacy groups get funding boost - The Hamilton Spectator

Financial literacy a must-have - The Toronto Star

Local literacy service has long waiting list - The Waterloo Region Record

Click the play button below to hear Margaret Eaton, President of ABC CANADA, speak on 570 News

As part of their Annual General Meeting held on June 10, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation is pleased to announce that Bob Millar has been named the new Chair of the Board of Directors. A literacy advocate and board member since 2006, Millar is committed to helping ABC CANADA increase awareness about the adult literacy cause. Millar, who now becomes the fifth Board Chair in ABC CANADA’s history, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With 35 years of experience in sales, marketing and strategic planning, Millar has held senior roles for companies such as Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, Nabisco and ConAgra. Most recently, Millar was the President of CKF Inc. and was also on the Board of Directors of Food and Consumer Products of Canada (FCPC) and Corporations Sharing Responsibility (CSR). Read more or watch the video interview.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the PGI is held at the Bally Haly Golf Course, St. John’s, in the second week of June each year. Otherwise known as ‘spring planting week,’ when the last chance of frost in the ground has passed, golfers take the opportunity to get out to their first – and favourite – tournament of the year. PGI Newfoundland and Labrador has three components over two days. A Family Literacy Festival, celebrating the value of early and lifelong learning, kicks off the activities. As day turns to evening, we host the Night Before Event to celebrate the successes of The Co-operators Learner Acheivement Award winner and to recognize and entertain the many PGI sponsors and supporters. Read more.

This unique golf experience features camaraderie among participants, the unexpected familiar face and the incredible and yet, undiscovered, entertainment exclusively at the PGI for Frontier College. Join us for the day, entertain clients or consider a sponsorship opportunity. You’ll be in good company. The event is hosted by CBC Radio’s Shelagh Rogers. In attendance will be Stuart McLean, Joseph Boyden, Russell deCarle, Graham Greene, Tom Harrington, and lots of surprise guests. Read more.

Since its beginning in 1990 in Watson Lake and Whitehorse, the PGI Yukon Golf Tournament for Literacy has become the largest fundraiser for literacy in the territory. More than 70 cents of every dollar raised go directly to adult learning programs supported by the Yukon Learn Society. Every year, Yukoners - business owners, entertainers, politicians, and other influential people - participate in the annual tournament held at Mountain View Golf Course. They are joined by dozens of volunteers and by learners, the beneficiaries of the sponsors’ generosity. Read more.

The 2009 PGI Ottawa Golf Tournament for Literacy, benefiting the Ottawa Community Coalition for Literacy, will take place on May 28 at the scenic Loch March Golf & Country Club. Golfers will play a leisurely 18-hole round of golf in scramble format with the chance to win a car on the hole-in-one contest. After golf they can enjoy cocktails, browse through silent and live auction items, and delight in the piano stylings of John McGovern. A fabulous roast beef buffet and delicious gourmet desserts will be served. Read more.

ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation has announced a call to all Canadian journalists for submissions to the 2009 edition of the Peter Gzowski Literacy Award of Merit (PGLAM). Deadline for submissions is June 26, 2009. The PGLAM was developed by ABC CANADA, in honour of broadcaster and writer Peter Gzowski, to acknowledge the great contribution made by a Canadian journalist, in any media, in raising awareness of the adult literacy issue in this country. To submit an article, nominate someone, or find out more information, click here.

Ben & Jerry’s, famous for its ingenious ice creams, irreverent personalities and social conscience, is joining forces with one of our country’s most beloved bands, Barenaked Ladies, to serve up its first-ever Canadian flavour – If I had 1,000,000 flavours. Through its partnership with Ben & Jerry’s, Barenaked Ladies will donate its entire share of the proceeds from the sale of If I had 1,000,000 flavours to support ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation, who raise awareness for the literacy cause including the importance of family literacy. Read more.