Letter from South Grey Bruce Youth Literacy Council

Dear Foundation Executive Members,

I’d like to introduce myself: as the new Co-ordinator of the Youth Literacy Council, I have been told of your support for this wonderful organization. I apologize for the delay in getting in touch, but, to mix metaphors, getting my feet wet has been a little like drinking from a fire hose.

As you are aware, we match screened and trained volunteer tutors with school-aged learners (6-18) who are falling behind. I am hoping we can build on the impressive history of this organization with additional activities that will present learning alternative to some of our more vulnerable youth.

At the other end of things, we are also here to celebrate the benefits of literacy through enjoying – and, we hope, participating in – cultural events. As you know, we hold a writing contest every year. This year’s theme is “Disappearing Acts”. We will be be recognizing writing excellence in both poetry and short-story competitions, in three age groups and in both official languages. This forms part of the Word Aloud 10 Festival’s performance of “The Case of the Twelve Dancing Princesses”, performed by the Little Red Theatre out of Toronto on Saturday October 19, 2013 at the Victoria Jubilee Hall in Walkerton at 1pm. I encourage you to support this event if you can. The cost is modest and the performances are excellent.

I hope to meet members of your community as we move forward. We share common ground in our commitment to the youngest in our communities.

Best regards,
Kimm Culkin
Co-ordinator