CNA supports literacy through sponsorship
10/3/2012 12:26:53 PM
The 21st annual Peter Gzowski Invitational Literacy Event was held in St. John’s in June. Founded by Canadian broadcaster, writer and literacy champion, the late Peter Gzowski, the event was a huge success in Newfoundland and Labrador with over $38,000 raised this year.
Twenty-five teams participated in the golf tournament for the 2012 Peter Gzowski Invitational Literacy Event, including a College of the North Atlantic team. From the money raised, $7,000 will be provided to the college in support of scholarships and bursaries for Adult Basic Education students.
The 21st anniversary of the annual Peter Gzowski Invitational (PGI) golf tournament for literacy was held in St. John’s in June.
Founded by Canadian broadcaster, writer and literacy champion, the late Peter Gzowski, the event is a huge success in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“This year’s PGI once again very successfully elevated awareness for literacy with the help of many individuals, organizations and corporations that truly believe in the cause,” says Paul Lahey, Provincial Chair of PGI – Newfoundland and Labrador, and National Chair of PGI Canada. “Low literacy levels are a huge concern in our province and with the help of very community oriented organizations such as College of the North Atlantic (CNA) we are making huge strides to overcome this obstacle that so many have to face.”
According to Lahey, the committee’s goal with this annual event is to inform people that literacy affects all ages, and without events such as the PGIs, many will go without the support of the programs and services created and funded by the money raised.
CNA once again stepped up to the plate as one of the lead sponsors for the 2012 PGI in Newfoundland and Labrador. As the “Education Partnership Sponsor”, CNA fulfilled their community responsibility in supporting all three PGI related events, the “Children’s Literacy Festival”, the “Evening Before and VIP Reception” and the “Charity Golf Tournament for Literacy” event.
The PGI Charity Golf Tournament began with a shotgun start. Twenty-five teams headed off to their starting tees to begin a day of fun, including hole activities and literacy challenges, all during18-holes of golf.
“The weather was good, 15 degrees, overcast, cool and foggy but no rain. By the end of the event, the sun was out with many smiles and celebrations for yet another successful PGI in Newfoundland and Labrador,” recalls Lahey. “Regardless of the weather, individuals and teams all came together to fully participate with a big heart, all in support of a cause that affects us all – literacy.”
This year, the PGI raised over $38,000 which will be used to support on-going and new literacy initiatives across the province. A portion of the proceeds will be used to support bursaries through CNA’s various Adult Basic Education (ABE) centres.
“To date, the PGI’s in Newfoundland and Labrador have contributed approximately $70,000 to CNA to provide direct support to its ABE students,” says Lahey. “PGI’s in Newfoundland and Labrador have raised close to $500,000 in the past 21 years with 100 per cent of proceeds going directly to the support of literacy.”
In Canada, PGI’s have raised over $13 million. PGI’s are one of the largest literacy fundraising initiatives in the country and Lahey feels it is great to be part of that national campaign that affects so many.
The battle against illiteracy is fought through ABE programs at CNA.
“We are so very grateful to PGI Newfoundland and Labrador for their support of ABE learners through CNA’s Scholarship, Bursary and Awards program,” says Sonya Smith, manager of CAN’s Alumni and Advancement. “These scholarships and bursaries provide much needed financial support for students. More importantly, these awards have lifelong impacts on the lives of recipients as they inspire confidence to help them achieve their educational goals.
"The college was proud to continue as the Education Partner for the PGI Literacy events taking place in St. John's,” adds John Oates, Lead Campus Administrator for the St. John’s region. “Improving reading and literacy skills is one of PGI's major objectives and we are extremely honoured and privileged to once again partner with such a distinguished group. And we are very appreciative of the scholarships awarded by PGI to our students every year. These awards have a huge impact on our learners. In addition, the golf tournament was a tremendous success and we were delighted to once again help PGI raise money for such a worthwhile cause."
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Media Contact:
Glenda McCarthy
Public Relations Assistant
College of the North Atlantic
709.643.6408
glenda.mccarthy@cna.nl.ca