Governor General of Canada Extends Viceregal Patronage to United for Literacy
June 21 2024 - 8:30AM
United for Literacy is proud to announce that they have been
granted Viceregal Patronage from Her Excellency the Right
Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada. The announcement
comes during a milestone year for the organization as it celebrates
125 years since United for Literacy (formerly Frontier College) was
founded in Canada in 1899.
There is a long history and tradition associated with the
Governor General's role. Viceregal patronage recognizes special
contributions to Canadian society, bringing special attention to
worthy causes and showcasing excellence. As Canada’s oldest adult
education organization, United for Literacy (formerly Frontier
College), has supported literacy and learning for people of all
ages and backgrounds for over a century. Through a network of
thousands of volunteers, United for Literacy has provided
opportunities to millions of individuals in Canada in building
their literacy skills and increasing their opportunities since
1899.
“We're honoured to be granted the Patronage of
Her Excellency and we look forward to supporting her mandate that
includes issues such as reconciliation, diversity and inclusion,
and youth and education,” said Mélanie Valcin, president and CEO,
United for Literacy. “Building and strengthening literacy skills is
critical to ensuring Canada’s well-being and prosperity for
generations to come. United for Literacy will continue to provide
free inclusive literacy and numeracy programs to help break the
intergenerational cycle of low literacy and promote a love of
reading."
Since 2012, Rideau Hall Visitors Centre has hosted Storytime in
collaboration with United for Literacy. Storytime is a free outdoor
activity for children and families in the summertime. Children of
all ages enjoy settling in under the Reading Tent to read books and
participate in fun literacy activities. The launch of the 2024
Storytime at Rideau Hall is June 28 at 10:30 a.m. Her Excellency
will be joined by Mélanie Valcin, president and CEO of United for
Literacy, to read a story to guests.
United for Literacy was previously granted viceregal patronage
by the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada
from 2014 to 2017, and by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie
Payette, Governor General of Canada from 2018 to 2021.
About United for Literacy
Formerly Frontier College, United for Literacy is a national
registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of children,
youth, and adults through literacy. Since 1899, our All Welcome!
approach and innovative services have been transforming every place
into a learning place. In the past year, nearly 34,000 children,
youth, and adults in over 191 urban, rural, and remote places
across Canada (including 97 Indigenous communities) gained access
to free, inclusive literacy and numeracy programs, in person and
online, supported by 1,689 trained volunteer tutors.
Contact:Kathleen A. ProvostUnited for Literacy
(formerly Frontier
College)902-872-0221kprovost@unitedforliteracy.ca