Every year for 16 years, PWC has marked International Literacy Day with the Power of Words Breakfast Event. This year, International Literacy Day, September 8th, fell on a Monday. Over 80 learners, tutors, community partners, supporters, elected officials, and friends of PWC got their week off to an early start to celebrate and mingle with like-minded supporters of literacy. The room was abuzz with people chatting, enjoying a delicious hot breakfast catered by The Newport Restaurant, and checking out the over 60 books to be won in PWC’s annual book draw!

We were privileged to have the husband/wife duo of Ben Hoskyn and Sarah Lussier open the event with an original song that Sarah composed during the pandemic titled Mon ami le fantôme. Board President, Margaret MacDonald, next talked about some of the struggles and successes of PWC’s past year. The always entertaining and full-of-energy Jeff Larocque returned as our emcee.

Next we heard from four of our learners – many of our attendees say that this is the highlight of the event as we put faces, names, and personal successes and struggles to what PWC does. Cicilia, Basherah, Feng, and Yacine spoke about the circumstances surrounding their coming to PWC and their experiences in the program. We heard stories of not knowing how to read at all to now reading forms, street signs and understanding emails; we heard stories of gaining confidence to find employment after working on writing and computer skills at PWC; and we heard stories of the personal touch and impact our tutors had on our learners.

The keynote speech was given by Matthew Pearson, Assistant Professor at Carleton University School of Journalism and Communication. His presentation was timely and impactful, speaking of the importance of the media in our lives as well as asking the audience to reflect on how we access news in this day and age. Having media and digital literacy skills are so important in order to discern biases (intentional or unintentional), misinformation, disinformation, and meaning in news stories. Matthew kept the audience interested and didn’t just speak to us, but asked us to actively engage and participate in the discussion.

A special thank you to PWC Executive Director Dee Sullivan, the staff at PWC (Karen and Shaniece), and all the volunteers who helped out before, during, and after the event to make things run smoothly!   

Our Breakfast would not be possible without the generosity of our Sponsors – their commitment to PWC and literacy in Ottawa is greatly appreciated. Our annual book draw is also made possible by the generosity of many authors and publishers who donated the books. Hats off and “thank you" to you!

(Scroll down to see photos from the event.)

Sponsors 2025 Power of Words Breakfast

Land Acknowledgement Speaker Helene and Emcee Jeff Larocque

Learner Speakers

Musical Guests Sarah Lussier and Ben Hoskyn and Keynote Speaker Matthew Pearson

Board President Margaret MacDonald and ED Dee Sullivan