FREEDOM TO READ WEEK CELEBRATED!

The unprecendented participation of 200 volunteer celebrities, writers and adult learners raised $1300 for three sponsoring organizations: Manitoba Writers Guild, Manitoba Association of Playwrights and Literacy Partners of Manitoba, February 28- March 2.

Mayor Susan Thompson reads proclamation
of Freedom to Read Week and the inspiring
poem for authors/learners at the Kick-Off
ceremony February 28, 1997 below:

You are equal to all others
some may have greater
talents and power
where you are lacking
but you are greater in areas where
they cannot go
do not stop your own growth
and progression
by trying to emulate...
or follow... anyone
step out with courage
develop all that you are meant to be
look for new experiences...
meet new people
learn to add all dimensions
to your present and future
you are one of a kind...
equal to every other person
accept the fact
live it use it stand tall
in belief of who you are
reach for the highest accomplishment
touch it grasp it
know it is within your ability
live to win in life
and you will

-diane westlake

48 hours of Live Readings Mark Freedom to Read. Following are some of the featured volunteer celebrities:

Media Personalities:Robert Enright, Morley Walker-Wpg. Free Press, Terry McLeod-CBC, Sylvia Kuzyk -CKY, Kristin Firth, CKND, Nora Young- CBC, Janet Dirks-CBC, Ron Robinson-CBC, Naamuh Delaney -MTN, Kim Todd -CREDO films, Lieutenant -Governor Yvon Dumont.

Authors and Playwrights:David Arnason -author, Duncan Mercredi -Street Poet, Dennis Cooley -author, Hugo Torres, Meeka Walsh -author, Peter Paul Van Camp, Diana Wieler -author, Margaret Buffie -author, Miriam Toews- author, Dr. Bev Zakaluk -U of M author, Sheldon Oberman -author Martha Brooks -author, Jo'Anne Kelly -illustrator, Eva Wiseman -author, Don Shields and Carol Shields -authors
Literacy Communityfrom L.I.F.E., "Beat the Street", "Journeys", "Open Doors", Book Bridges, Selkirk Adult Learning Centre, CNIB, EPW Inc., ALBSU Staff, MB Children's Museum Students for Literacy, Frontier College, Manitoba PGI, U of M, U of W, LPM, Winnipeg Volunteer Reading Aides

Policy Makers:Mayor Susan Thompson, Councillor Glen Murray, Winnipeg 1 Trustee Betty Granger, MlAs: Jean Friesen, Doug Martindale, Tim Sale, Diane McGrifford, Minister of Culture Rosemary Vodrey

Senator Joyce Fairbairn
smiles from the vintage Train Engine
at the Children's Museum