PGI Golf Tournament Raises Funds for Literacy

Nearly 200 representatives from Nova Scotia government, business and community organizations teed off at the Chester Golf Club today, June 20, to raise funds for literacy.

The Department of Education made a $40,000 contribution to Literacy Nova Scotia as part of the PGI Golf Tournament for Literacy, which was established by late national broadcast journalist, Peter Gzowski.

"We have supported the PGI tournament for more than a decade," said acting Education Minister Angus MacIsaac. "It's a wonderful example of how the public and private sectors can work with community organizations to raise funds and awareness to help Nova Scotians of all ages gain the literacy and numeracy skills they need to learn, live and work successfully in the province."

The Department of Education has contributed about $540,000 to Literacy Nova Scotia as part of its involvement in the tournament over the years. The total amount raised in Nova Scotia over 15 years is more than $1 million.

Literacy Nova Scotia uses the funds raised to provide PGI literacy grants to community-based organizations to improve access to learning programs by providing services such as transportation and child care. In addition, Literacy Nova Scotia offers scholarships, bursaries and workshops to adult students; publishes newsletters; and shares information about literacy with adult students, literacy organizations and the public.

"Adults who return to learning face many challenges, including family responsibilities and travel to classes," said Ann Marie Downie, executive director, Literacy Nova Scotia. "The PGI literacy grants help eliminate some of the barriers to returning to adult education classes."

The PGI golf tournaments are coordinated nationally by ABC Canada, a non-profit organization that promotes adult literacy. In Nova Scotia, the provincial committee includes members from the business community, ABC Canada, Literacy Nova Scotia and the Department of Education.

"Every year, the PGI tournament brings together the business, government and community sectors for a day of fun and fundraising, not to mention great food and entertainment," said Don Munroe, chair of the Nova Scotia PGI tournament committee. "Nova Scotia is among the top fundraisers for PGI tournaments in the country, which is a tribute to the enthusiasm and dedication of our participants."

The PGI tournaments are the most successful literacy fundraising events in Canada, generating more than $8 million (net funds) over the last 20 years. Launched by Peter Gzowski in 1986, the tournaments are now held in 13 provinces and territories.

FOR BROADCAST:

Nearly 200 representatives from Nova Scotia government,

business and community organizations teed off at Chester Golf

Club today (June 20th) to raise funds for literacy.

The Department of Education made a 40-thousand dollar

contribution to Literacy Nova Scotia as part of the P-G-I Golf

Tournament for Literacy, which was established by late national

broadcast journalist Peter Gzowski.

Acting Education Minister Angus MacIsaac says the

tournament is an example of how the public and private sectors

can work with community organizations to help Nova Scotians gain

the skills they need to learn, live and work successfully in the

province.