OTTAWA, March 29, 2005 -- Canada's Literacy Idols need your votes. Consider... 22% of adult Canadians have serious problems dealing with any printed materials and an additional 24% of Canadians can deal only with simple reading tasks. This means that more than 13 million Canadians could have trouble filling out a job application, reading instructions for medication or reading a bedtime story to a child. Fortunately there are people working every day in classrooms, community halls, church basements, private homes and meeting rooms to change this literacy portrait. These Literacy Idols are making a difference... one word, one student, one initiative or one program at a time. Canada Post is once again inviting Canadians across the country to nominate deserving individuals as well as exceptional educators, organizations or businesses that have succeeded in changing the literacy perspective in Canada. Nominations for the 2005 Canada Post Literacy Awards are now open. Olympian Greg Joy, (Olympic Medallist, former World Record Holder, 1976 Canadian Athlete of the Year, Olympic team flag bearer and Member of the Olympic Hall of Fame) is a judge for the 2005 Canada Post Literacy Awards. Mr. Joy, who was recently the executive director of one of the largest food banks in Canada, understands the ripple effect of literacy. "There's no question in my mind that a person's ability to read and write is the single biggest factor in their capacity to provide for themselves and their family." Mr. Joy adds, "the Canada Post Awards celebrate the people who have overcome great challenges to improve their literacy skills and the people who helped them along the way. I'm pleased to be part of this program." Created in 1993, the Canada Post Literacy Awards recognize up to 45 individuals and organizations for their exceptional work in one of four categories: Individual Achievement, Educator, Community Leadership and Business Leadership. Those interested in submitting a nomination should visit the Literacy Award website at www.canadapost.ca/literacyawards or obtain a nomination brochure by writing to: THE 2005 CANADA POST LITERACY AWARDS 2701 RIVERSIDE DRIVE SUITE N0899 OTTAWA ON K1A 0B1 Submissions must be received in Ottawa by Friday May 27, 2005. The names of finalists will be announced in July; winners will be notified in August. Nominate a Literacy Idol today. - 30 - Media may contact: Halifax: (902) 494-407; Québec: (418) 694-3161; Montréal: (514) 345-4569; Ottawa: (613) 734-2811; Toronto: (905) 214-9299; London: (519) 457-5208; Edmonton: (780) 944-3137; Vancouver: (604) 662-1388
