Fundraising Success!
Literacy Plus is very pleased with the success of its two summer fundraisers, Literary Tuesdays and Swing for Literacy.
Literary Tuesdays got off to an exciting start on July 4, when high winds caused a power outage in the area that lasted for several hours. Candles were rounded up and arrangements made to provide cold drinks instead of hot, but luckily the power came on in Eganville just after 7:00 p.m. Attendance was high at all events and the four authors, Erika Ritter, Maggie Wheeler, Frances Itani and Jenifer McVaugh, gave lively and interesting talks and readings. The series raised nearly $5,000 for Literacy Plus.
Swing for Literacy on September 5, our 3rd golf tournament, managed to land on the only sunny day among several wet ones. 106 golfers enjoyed 18 holes of golf followed by a social hour and a turkey dinner. Literacy Plus received many wonderful donated prizes from local businesses and individuals for the event- every golfer received something, and raffle tickets were sold on the larger prizes. Overall, the tournament raised nearly $4,000.
Tournament winners were:
- Lowest score: Team #24, with a score of 66: Brian McDonald, Ed Owens, Larry Patterson, Les Gorman
- Closest to the hole: Connie Renaud (women), Weldon McEachen (men)
- Closest to the line: Gail McDonald (women), Gilles Doth (men)
Literacy Plus depends on funds raised from these events to provide some of our essential services. A big thank you to all those who helped put on the events and all those who participated in them.
Tutors Needed
Literacy Plus is looking for more tutors around the County. If you have friends who might enjoy this rewarding activity, please tell them about us and ask them to call the office for more information.
Reminder
Teachers and tutors, please get your reports in promptly at the end of each month. This is especially important at the end of September when our six-month stats are due.
Smart Serve
Literacy Plus will offer a Smart Serve workshop on October 25 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The $25 fee covers the cost of materials and certification. Students in any of our courses are welcome to take part. Space is limited to 10 students. Sign up now if you are interested.
TOPS Grant
Literacy Plus will receive one-time funding through the Trends, Opportunities and Priorities initiative (TOPS) administered by Algonquin College. This grant will fund a recruitment campaign for tutors and students, some tutor training, and delivery of a workshop to clients in the Job Connect program.
The TOPS committee brings together representatives from the business, labour, education, literacy, social service and community development sectors to deal with the labour market issues. The TOPS report last year identified literacy and other training as priority needs in Renfrew County for developing a strong and effective workforce.