Literature for Life joins ROM initiative

Literature for Life is thrilled to be included in an exciting new expansion of the Royal Ontario Museum’s free admission program to marginalized community groups.

From Press Release: Effective immediately, the ROM is increasing its program of free admission to marginalized community groups by 50 percent – up to 70,000 free admissions.

Since 2008, the Royal Ontario Museum’s Community Access Network (ROM CAN) has made possible free Museum visits to a wide range of communities and individuals who may not otherwise be able to visit for a variety of reasons. The ROM provides tickets through strategic partnerships with agencies which are best positioned to reach individuals and families who can benefit most, including the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, which provides a gift of ROM admission to new Canadians during citizenship ceremonies every month through its Cultural Access Pass (CAP) program.

The program has been expanded through increased support from existing partners, The United Way and The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), as well as the addition of new partners, the YMCA and YWCA, which serve families and individuals on fixed incomes as well as new Canadians. Also newly partnered with the ROM are Kids Up Front Foundation Toronto, Literature for Life, The Tim Horton Children’s Foundation and the Youth Challenge Fund – organizations serving at-risk youth, marginalized young people and children from families in need. The ROM has also recently partnered with VIEWS, an organization who supports children who are blind or have low vision and their families, Make a Wish Foundation, serving children with life-threatening medical conditions, and The Centre for Addition and Mental Health (CAMH) serving persons with mental health and addiction problems.

Valerie Pringle profiled in The Women’s Post

Valerie Pringle is profiled in The Women’s Post today discussing her commitment to charities including Literature for Life:

Pringle’s involvement with Literature for Life demonstrates her prioritization of the importance of guidance, a common thread throughout her career. Just as Pringle was guided towards a career in journalism, and now mentors up-and-coming grads, she also supports the guidance Literature for Life offers teenage mothers seeking a better future for themselves and for their children.

Valerie Pringle will serve as Honorary Chair at tomorrow night’s Black White & Read All Over gala. Tickets are available here.

I am

I AM!!!

I Am Africa,

it’s my passion

it’s my struggle

it’s my growth

I DO NOT need your Sympathy.

I am Sushi,

strong, raw, soft, full of flavor and texture.

I am “An Eye for an Eye”

able to pass judgement and teach others how I feel about what they do.

I am my daughters ability to grow and learn.

I am my Future,

strong, bright and never ending.

 -Fildause Salifu

****

I am Dominica, I am native, I am beautiful and free like the waterfall flowing down the cliff.  I am loved, I am strong, I am Dominica.

I am mango, I am sweet, I am juicy, I am appreciated. I am the sweet juices dripping from your fingers. I am mango.

I am courage, I am ability, I am strength, I am beliefs, I am firm feet planted in the ground with my head held high filled with courage. I am courage.

I am dreams. I am hope, I am possibilities, I am visions of my future. I am dreams.

I am 2011, I am sophisticated, I am skinny jeans and plaid t-shirt. I am the future of 2011.

-Anitz Bristol

***
These poems were created as part of Jemeni’s Group at Women Moving Forward.

Terry O’Reilly records public service announcement in support of Black White & Read All Over

Broadcaster and friend of Literature for Life Terry O’Reilly has recorded a public service announcement in support of the Black White & Read All Over gala on October 26.The following radio stations have agreed to air the spot on our behalf: CFRB, CHUM, CKIS, CHFI, CFRT, CJCL, CKFM, CFNY, CFXJ, CFZM, CHBM.

Tickets are still available for the event, and can be purchased here on our website.

Literature for Life and CBC Culture Days

The Toronto TD Kids Book Club is a special project  that involves Literature for Life programming , facilitated by artist and spoken word poet Jelani Nias (a.k.a. JWyze) and made up of young people from the Chalkfarm neighbourhood. On October 1, the club got together as part of the Culture Days Open House at CBC Toronto to discuss the book Burn by Alma Fullerton, and how it relates to their own lives and experiences. Fullerton herself took part in the discussion. Go to the TD Kids Book Corner on the CBC website for more information on the event and to listen to audio clips of the conversation.