A YEAR OF LITERACY
CHAMPIONS
2015-2016
ANNUAL REPORT
“Reading to our kids exposes them to a
world beyond the confines of our
house, and even our community. It’s
incredible to know that we can make
such a huge difference in someone’s life
by giving them the gift of literacy.
READ Saskatoon gives individuals
confidence, and this builds families and
communities in tangible ways. READ
Saskatoon makes people’s lives better.”
- The Stobbe Family
JULY2016
Curtis Peeteetuce, Poet Laureate for
our PGI Golf tournament for Literacy
2016, recognizes the importance of
literacy and how it affects fellow actors.
“When young actors are performing,
they are using the subtext of what they
want to say, but they are saying what is
on the page. Literacy’s effect is seen
before and after an actor’s time on
stage. Our young actors learn a whole
new language with plays, and how plays
work.”
- Curtis Peeteetuce
AUGUST2016
We are pleased to share that READ
Saskatoon received the 2015 Council
of the Federation Premiers’ Literacy
Award. This award recognizes the
excellence of educators, volunteers,
learners, community organizations, and
businesses across the field of literacy,
including family, Aboriginal, health,
workplace, and community literacy.
We are honoured to be recognized for
our work.
SEPTEMBER2016
“Literacy is the greatest tool of
democracy, it is the greatest weapon
against poverty, it is the beacon for our
potential. But beyond all this, literacy
connects us to the humanity in
ourselves and others – we were born to
tell and share stories. And each and
every human has the right to feel this
connection.”
- Sheena Greer
OCTOBER2016
“What we do as adults affects our kids.
It’s important to learn for ourselves, and
teach them, too. It is so rewarding to
help somebody. To see the outcomes of
what READ Saskatoon is doing is
phenomenal. Our community needs
READ Saskatoon.”
- Tammy Isbister
NOVEMBER2016
“Literacy is a stepping stone to greater
self-esteem and confidence. I support
READ Saskatoon because it is a
well-run organization that helps people
better themselves. I also like that
READ Saskatoon promotes financial
literacy.”
- Deb Murdoch
From November 15 – December 31, 2016, Deb Murdoch will
match all $500 donations to a maximum of $3,000.
DECEMBER2016
“Community involvement is an
important part of the way we live, work,
and do business every day at
Scotiabank. Our sponsorship of the
Payday Playday Financial Literacy
program at READ Saskatoon is a
natural fit in providing young people
and families in our community the skills
needed to become financially better
off.”
- Rodney Wendt, District Vice President
Saskatchewan & Manitoba North District,
Scotiabank.
JANUARY2017
Speed Scrabble™
Tournament for Literacy
“Awareness-building of literacy
inequities in our city and province,
combined with the tourney’s fun and
fundraising, is a way to reconnect with
the fact that we’re a university for the
people, of the people!”
- Liv Marken
FEBRUARY2017
“Working with my tutor has been a joy.
What she taught me, more than
anything, is that learning continues all
the time. I want to spread the message
that just because you are given a battle
in life to overcome, with the right
supports and perseverance, anything is
possible.”
- Clint Broten
MARCH2017
Genevieve Salamon and Glen Gunther
are Saskatoon’s darlings of literacy and
volunteerism. Since moving from
Regina in 2000 they have committed
hours and dollars to the cause of
helping individuals and families reach
their personal, professional,
educational, and social aspirations. They
are READ Saskatoon’s dream makers
because of the passion and energy they
infuse in their commitment to our city,
the literacy cause, and our agency.
APRIL2017
“Over the last couple years we have had
the privilege of working with the READ
Saskatoon team to help develop
branding and design for several of their
great programs. Nothing matches the
passion of the READ Saskatoon team
and it has been a joy to be part of the
amazing and meaningful work they
provide to the Saskatoon community.”
- Rock & Bloom
MAY2017
THE
PGI SPONSORS
JUNE2017
2015-2016 BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
Erin Kuan, Chair
Maya Scott, Vice Chair
Lisa Dunville, Treasurer
Amanda Wapass-Griffin, Secretary
David Hutton, Past Chair
MEMBERS AT LARGE
Nicole Mackisey
Avon Whittles
Sarah Bridgette
Derek Rope
Liv Marken
Ray Morrison
Kaveri Braid
Dawn Walker
We believe lifelong learning habits contribute to strong and resilient communities. Strong literacy skills are foundational to an individual’s economic, social,
educational, and employment success. Even more significant, strong literacy skills are foundational to a family’s success. A child’s first teacher is their parent.
Their home is the first classroom, and the community is their first school. Literacy is foundational to Saskatchewan’s success.
WE BELIEVE
Everyone has the
right to learn,
regardless of age.
Lifelong habits
contribute to
strong and resilient
communities.
Strong literacy
skills are not
attained by chance.
Communities
have the right to
responsive and
effective literacy
programs that are
attended to with
diligence.
READ Saskatoon addresses and supports the advancement of literacy and learning in our community. We provide access to a range of literacy services for adults
and families through the work of staff, trained volunteers, and community partners. We envision a community that values, promotes, and supports literacy.
OUR FUNDERS
ADULT LITERACY
FINANCIAL LITERACY
AGENCY
FAMILY LITERACY
THE
LIT UP!