his has been a winter to remember for Family Literacy. In November 1998 at our AGM we did not realize that it was just the beginning of a powerful surge for Family Literacy support. National Family Literacy Day was declared by ABC Canada in partnership with Honda Canada to coincide with a national television special on January, 27, 1999.

Family Literacy Supporters and Learners gather at the Legislative Building

As usual, Manitoba took the horse by the reins, literally, and many exciting events were planned throughout the province. There were reading circles and family events in centers from north to south. I received a wonderful report from Marge Warkentin detailing their exciting family literacy event at the Flin Flon library. (see photo) Margaret Allen will gladly show off her newspaper clippings of events from the Northern folks. The Bookmates Early Literacy Training was announced at the Winnipeg Development Agreement reception.

National Family Literacy Day was highlighted in Winnipeg by an extravaganza at the Assiniboia Downs thanks to Literacy Partners teaming with the Manitoba Jockey Club and Horseman‘s Benevolent Association. Well over 200 people attended and had a marvellous time indulging in the gourmet food, live entertainment and face-painting for the children.

Proclamation ceremony head table (L-R) Lee-Ann Clark, Pat Mowat, Premier Filmon, Former Minister of Education, Linda McIntosh

A significant part of this day was the media exposure we received. Family Literacy spots were featured on Videon, CJOB, MTN, CKY (live), Winnipeg Parent Magazine a full page feature in the Winnipeg Free Press.

Family Literacy Awareness received a tremendous boost when agencies and organizations such as the Children and Youth Secretariat, Learning Disabilities Assoc. of Manitoba, Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Multiple Sclerosis Read-a-thon, Birchwood Honda, Adult Literacy and Continuing Education, Manitoba Reading Association, Healthy Start for Mom and Me, Winnipeg Public Library etc. (I could fill the page!), participated in the event.

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