Laubach Literacy Ontario (LLO), in partnership with Community Literacy of Ontario, co-hosted a four-day conference celebrating the International Year of Volunteers. Over 300 volunteers, program staff and adult literacy students attended gala dinners, workshops and the AGM in downtown Toronto's Colony Hotel. Each literacy program received a commemorative plaque from the two organizations "Awarded with gratitude to the dedicated volunteers of (name of council) in honour of International Year of Volunteers." Senator Joyce Fairbairn, Lynne Lalonde and Lianne Vardy from the National Literacy Secretariat were three of the guests of honour. Dave Broadfoot of the Royal Canadian Air Farce was the guest speaker. LLO also celebrated its 20th anniversary and honoured two of its founding members, Connie Morgan and Stephanie Brennan. Joan Lawton, another founding member, could not attend, but received honourable mention.

LLO Board Members, staff and several of their spouses volunteered on the Conference Committee to make this our biggest and most successful conference ever. The LLO Board is a board with a heart. In LLO's Annual Report, each board member wrote a thoughtful response to "Why I volunteer."

Best wishes and congratulations to the many Laubach volunteers. May you continue to do what you love to do for many years to come.

The Ontario Board From left to right: Lana Faessler, Arnold Stewart, Myles Gallant, Debbie Alexander, John Putman, Bev Clarke, Linda Martin, Howard Lane

"When I aid others in seeing different worlds I feel that I am accomplishing my goal. I see myself as a guide in the creation of new horizons for those who are starved for stimulation. These worlds are not on a TV or movie screen but in the fertile yet waiting fields of a student who waits for a tutor with a 'watering can'."

Howard Lane

"It is very easy to forget the world when you concentrate on your own life and family. We forget that we have power to change others' life and so much to offer."

Jennifer Roggemann

"I never guessed that volunteering and Laubach would give me more than I gave. Laubach has become family to me. I have many dear friends across Canada …"

Bev Clarke

"I believe it is my responsibility to give back what I was given, and ensure that others have positive experiences, as well as personal growth."

Debbie Alexander

"I volunteer to give back to people that help me and to the communities where I can."

John Putman

"If there were no volunteers there would hardly be any life at all."

Arnie Stewart

"It is the giving that is rewarding to me and also the friendships that are born out of this."

Myles Gallant