Media Releases 2006

$470,000 TO HELP B.C. COMMUNITIES IMPLEMENT LITERACY PLANS

Vancouver, B.C. (December 13, 2006): 2010 Legacies Now is investing $470,000 in 21 B.C. communities or regions to assist with the implementation of locally-developed literacy action plans and the creation or expansion of literacy programs for children, youth and adults.

“Community partners have developed creative action plans to engage learners of every age,” said Brenda Le Clair, managing director of strategic development and partnerships. “Exciting new strategies and services, such as hiring a literacy coordinator and addressing barriers related to transportation, will help more British Columbians access local literacy programs.”

Twenty-one communities or regions across British Columbia will receive implementation funds through the Literacy Now Communities program, which guides partners through a community-based planning process designed to address local literacy needs. The process focuses on building partnerships, networking and sharing best practices.

These communities or regions have formed literacy task groups, submitted an expression of interest to 2010 Legacies Now, and received up to $10,000 to help with the development of a literacy plan. They are now ready to implement their ideas and strategies.

“Our task group has formed the Links 4 Literacy Society of the North Okanagan, hired coordinators for Vernon and Lumby/Cherryville, and established a literacy centre,” said Debbie Schiller, manager of the North Okanagan Early Literacy Project. “Funds from 2010 Legacies Now have helped us support our vision: the literacy needs of every person will be met.”

There are now 56 participating literacy task groups, representing more than 100 communities across the province. 2010 Legacies Now aims to make British Columbia the most literate province in Canada and a global leader in literacy learning by 2010.

2010 Legacies Now is a not-for-profit society that works in partnership with community organizations, non-government organizations, the private sector and all levels of government to develop sustainable legacies in sport and recreation, arts, literacy and volunteerism. 2010 Legacies Now actively assists communities to discover and create unique and inclusive social and economic opportunities leading up to and beyond the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. For more information please visit www.2010LegaciesNow.com.

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Download the Backgrounder in PDF

Media Contacts:

Karen McDonald
Director, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
Ph: 778.327.5180
Cell: 778.840.8779

Natasha Vander Wal
Manager, Communications
2010 Legacies Now
Ph: 778.327.5189
Cell: 778.840.5189

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