About Us

The Peter Gzowski Foundation for Literacy (PGFL) is the national body that oversees and coordinates the efforts of PGI events across Canada. The PGFL manages all national elements of the PGI events, including:

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Overseeing national communications, branding and marketing initiatives

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Organizing and programming the PGI National Forum

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Ensuring each event operates within appropriate PGI guidelines

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Stewarding celebrity hosts and/or performers

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Providing expertise, advice and ongoing support to PGI local organizing committees

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Has legal and financial responsibility for PGIs

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Authorizes the preparation of annual audited financial statements for PGFL

Local Organizing Committees: Each PGI has a local organizing committee made up of community volunteers and literacy organization staff. The PGIs report through the PGFL.

PGI Outcomes and Use of Funds

$382,923 net dollars were raised by the PGIs in 2019. These funds were allocated to local literacy programs, services and activities.

Board of Directors

Peter Gzowski Foundation for Literacy Board of Directors

Brigid Hayes – Chair

Ottawa, ON – Consultant, strategic planning and policy development adult literacy and skills. Formerly, Canadian Labour and Business Centre and the National Literacy Secretariat, HRSDC.

Alison Gzowski – Director

Toronto, ON – Gzowski Family representative for the PGFL Board of Directors, writer, editor, producer and event organizer for non-profits.

Deb McInnis – Director

Moncton, NB – Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Moncton and Southeastern NB Region. Formerly Executive Director for Laubach Literacy New Brunswick. Member, Greater Moncton Literacy Advisory Board and a volunteer for the Children’s Wish Foundation for over 25 years.

Fiona Bramble – Director

Victoria, BC – Founder-CEO, Here In Canada and managing editor of Here Magazine. Member of Creative BC Magazine Advisory Committee and the Greater Victoria Alliance for Literacy. Former ELL educator.

Alana Sprague – National Events Manager

Charlottetown, PE – Nine years of experience with various not-for-profit organizations, specializing in revenue development. Nature and landscape photographer. 

Maureen Cavan – Director

Cobourg, ON – Retired. Former national magazine publishing executive and Executive Director NFP sector. ABC Canada Literacy Foundation Board of Directors 1990-2006 (Chair – 5 years).

Joanne Linzey – Director

Canning, NS – Retired. Worked in the not for profit community development field in Canada, US, and Brazil. Held several executive positions. Co-founded ABC Canada. Long involvement on the board of PGFL.

Leah Patry – Treasurer

Toronto, ON – Over 25 years financial market experience. Former Portfolio Manager at one of the nation’s largest pension funds.

Meghan Dillon – Director

Toronto, ON – Intellectual property lawyer, specializing in trademarks, and member of the Trademark Agent Examination Board.  Formerly worked in book publishing, negotiating author contracts.