Every year, on September 8, PWC celebrates its wonderful learners and International Literacy Day. This year, we came together for the 17th time to honour learning, hard work, and success. Around 70 learners, tutors, community partners, supporters, elected officials, and friends of PWC attended this year’s event, engaged in meaningful conversations, enjoyed a hot breakfast catered by Chef Ric’s, and checked out over 65 books that were to be won in our annual Book Draw.

The always-entertaining and full-of-energy Jeff Larocque returned as our emcee. We were fortunate to have Claude Munson performing his original song Sweet Love to open the event. Next, we heard from four of our learners. For a lot of attendees, this is the highlight of the event as we are able to put faces, names, and personal stories to what PWC does.

Eric, Miriam, Waheda, and Sarah spoke about the circumstances surrounding them coming to PWC and their experiences in the program. We heard stories of failures, facing challenges with resilience, and successes; we heard stories about 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.

Then we listened to the keynote speaker, Sonia Bebbington, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Librarian of the Ottawa Public Library (OPL), who shared her own personal connection with the OPL. She highlighted the importance of literacy, equal access to literacy resources and reading, and touched upon some important services OPL provides Ottawa residents.

Following this wonderful speech, Board President, Catherine Newell, talked about some of PWC’s impacts and successes over the past year.

A special thank you to PWC Executive Director, Karen Hilderman, the staff at PWC (Mahtab and Marenda), and all the volunteers who helped out before, during, and after the event to make this year’s Breakfast a memorable event!

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 publishers who donated the books. Hats off and “thank you” to you all!