TORONTO, ON — Canada’s national award that recognizes corporations’ and individuals’ exceptional contributions in support of the issue of literacy was presented last night to CBC-Radio Canada.

In accepting the 10th annual Honourable Joyce Fairbairn, P.C. Literacy Public Awareness Award, CBC-Radio Canada joins the ranks of Air Canada, Baton Broadcasting System (CTV), Canadian Cable Television Association, Canadian Community Newspapers Association, CanWest Global Communications Corporation; Coca-Cola Ltd., Honda Canada Inc., Maclean-Hunter Publishing (now Rogers Media), Royal Bank Financial Group, and Taxi Advertising which have all shown exceptional generosity and innovation in their support of literacy programs in Canada, and of ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation.

Affectionately known in the literacy field as “the Joycee,” the award’s namesake is Senator Joyce Fairbairn, a long-standing champion of the literacy cause in Canada. Legion of CBC-Radio Canada supporters

“CBC-Radio Canada is a true friend of ABC CANADA, and of the literacy cause across this country,” says Christine Featherstone, President and CEO. “From the inspiration and energy of the late CBC veteran broadcaster Peter Gzowski who began the PGI Golf Tournaments for Literacy, to the legion of employees and on-air personalities who have so generously shared their time and talent, CBC-Radio Canada’s contribution has been great.”

Among the contributions CBC-Radio Canada has made through the years:

• Donations from CBC Employees’ Charity Appeal and through CBC Radio’s Canada Reads program and A Christmas Carol readings;
• Support for ABC CANADA fundraiser, Chicks with Sticks, with CBC personalities Shelagh Rogers and Suhana Meharchand hosting;
• Inspiration of the late Peter Gzowski, veteran journalist and broadcaster, for establishing the PGI Golf Tournaments for Literacy - Founded by Peter Gzowski which, in 20 years, has raised net more than $9 million;
• Corporation sponsorship of the “Poet Laureate” part of the PGI festivities across the country;
• Numerous on-air personalities contributing time and talent to various PGI events, including Shelagh Rogers, Lorne Elliott, Rick Mercer, Stuart MacLean and Brent Taylor;
• Peter Mansbridge’s commitment in his volunteer position as National Spokesperson for the PGIs.

Accepting the award on behalf of CBC-Radio Canada, Kim Orchard, Deputy Director, Programming, and Head of Arts and Entertainment for Radio, spoke of the legion of CBC talent and on-air personalities who have embraced the literacy cause through the years: “I can’t tell you how honoured I am to be standing here in the shoes of these many people.”

CBC-Radio Canada’s Kim Orchard (right) with ‘the Joycee’ along with award namesake Senator Joyce Fairbairn.
Photo by Stephanie Lake.

(From left) : Senator Joyce Fairbairn, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation Chair Alan Middleton, CBC-Radio Canada’s Kim Orchard, and ABC CANADA President and CEO Christine Featherstone.
Photo by Stephanie Lake.