PWC learners, volunteer tutors, and supporters; the Ottawa Public Library; Twice Upon a Time; and representatives from Employment Ontario employment service sites and Ottawa community resource agencies joined us to celebrate International Literacy Day, September 8. Our emcee, the ever-gracious CTV Ottawa Sports Director Terry Marcotte, led us through this jam-packed two hour event. Local musicians Jennifer Noxon and Brendan Gawn energized the audience with their cover of David Myles’s When It Comes My Turn. The highlight of the morning was, as always, the heartfelt remarks from our learners who shared their stories of personal achievement since starting with PWC. This year’s keynote speaker, Constable Mahamud Elmi, told his story of immigrating to Canada at a young age and achieving his goal of becoming a police officer. His powerful message resonated with everyone in the audience. He also shared his passion for literacy and his efforts to promote education, both here and in his home country, as the key to success in all aspects of life.

This breakfast would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors, and all of us at People, Words & Change are very grateful.

Sponsors: 

211 Eastern Ontario, Bonini & Associates, Borden Ladner Gervais, CUPE, Grass Roots Press, MacQuarrie • Whyte • Killoran, McKay Duff, McDonald’s, Orca Book Publishers, Ottawa Life Magazine, Ottawa Magazine, Ottawa Police Service