t a touching ceremony in McLean Park in Thompson, to mark International Literacy Day in September, dozens of dignitaries and community members honoured the 1998 winners of the Margaret Laurence Award of Excellence for Volunteer Tutors. Since tutors form the back bone of 50% of the community-based literacy programs in Manitoba, LPM introduced this flagship event to recognize the important contribution made by volunteers. It was introduced in 1996 on the steps of the Margaret Laurence Home in Neepawa, with the blessing of Jocelyn Laurence, the author's daughter.

Over 45,000 hours of volunteer work were logged in the provincially-funded programs alone in 1997. Their volunteer contributions therefore match the million dollar level of funded support from the provincial government for adult literacy support. We value their service.

Anna Schroeder was the winning tutor chosen from the entries from southern Manitoba. She has served at the Samaritan House Training Centre for ten years, assisting hundreds of adults with their reading, math and computer upgrading skills. She is also on their Board of Directors. Her students claim she has a heart of gold. "If we do something wrong, she tells us and will not give up until we get it right. She has patience that many people do not. She gives us courage to keep going", the learner committee wrote in its nomination papers.

Lynda Paziuk was the deserving northern region winner. She has been a volunteer tutor for eight years, as well as a tutor coordinator, family literacy trainer and board member with the Thompson Reading Aides Corporation. She proudly accepted the art print and certificate from TRAC President Kate Roth, who also acted as M.C.

Honourable mentions were extended to these tutors as well: Jocelyn Davis and Henry Ballon from Winnipeg, Dave Nisbet from Portage la Prairie and Jean Riffel from Thompson on behalf of the local review committee.

Peggy Spence coordinated this moving afternoon ceremony. Congratulatory greetings were sent in written messages from Mr. Steve Ashton, MLA and Mrs. Bev Desjarlais, MP and extended in person by His Honour Harold Smith, Deputy Mayor of Thompson; Cheryl Campbell, LPM President; Marie Matheson, ALCE Rural and Northern Coordinator; Marg Rose, Executive Director LPM; and Lark Gamey, President of Laubach Literacy Canada.