ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation

ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation (French: Fondation pour l’alphabétisation ABC CANADA) is a national non-profit organization that provides resources and programs in adult, workplace and family literacy to raise public awareness about the adult literacy cause in Canada. The organization was founded in 1990 by a group of business, labour and education leaders concerned about the social and economic effects of wide-spread literacy challenges among Canadian adults. ABC CANADA is funded by Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, a Department Of the Canadian government.

Programs

Family Literacy Day was launched in 1999 to create awareness about literacy and to encourage families to read and learn together on a daily basis. Held annually, on January 27, Family Literacy Day is celebrated in schools, libraries, literacy organizations and homes across Canada.

In 2009, 119,405 Canadians tried to break a Guinness World Record for the “Most Children Reading With an Adult, Multiple Locations”. Thousands of adults read the same book (Munschworks 2 by Family Literacy Day Honorary Chair, Robert Munsch) to children for 30 minutes within a 24-hour period in honour of Family Literacy Day.

Look Under LEARN is a national campaign that helps adult learners find a literacy organization where they can upgrade their skills.

Fundraisers

Gutenberg Media Grab is an annual fundraiser where media partners donate ad space and ABC CANADA re-sells it online at 65% off the value as a way to raise money for literacy programs.

The PGIs (Peter Gzowski Invitational) Golf Tournaments for Literacy help raise needed resources for local literacy organizations that assist adult learners. Founded by the late Canadian broadcaster and journalist Peter Gzowski, the PGIs feature a tournament in each province in Canada every year, and have raised more than 10 million dollars net since 1986. It is Canada’s largest fundraiser for literacy.

Awards

The Peter Gzowski Literacy Award of Merit (PGLAMs) is also held in honour of the late Peter Gzowski. The award acknowledges the great contribution made by a Canadian journalist, in any media, in raising awareness of the adult literacy issue in Canada. The PGLAM memorializes Peter Gzowski’s work in the literacy field, and his strong belief that such understanding is critical to moving this issue forward and, ultimately, to improving the lives of adult Canadians with low literacy. Previous winners include Denise Donlon of the CBC, Paul-Émile Cormier, a columnist with Journal l'Étoile in New Brunswick and Globe and Mail editorialist, Sean Fine.