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:
Overseeing national communications, branding and marketing initiatives
Organizing and programming the PGI National Forum
Ensuring each event operates within appropriate PGI guidelines
Stewarding celebrity hosts and/or performers
Providing expertise, advice and ongoing support to PGI local organizing committees
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.
Fiona Bramble – Director
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).
Meghan Dillon – Secretary
Toronto, ON – Intellectual property lawyer, specializing in trademarks, and member of the Trademark Agent Examination Board. Formerly worked in book publishing, negotiating author contracts.
Alison Gzowski – Director
Toronto, ON – Gzowski Family representative for the PGFL Board of Directors, writer, editor, producer and event organizer for non-profits.
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.
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.
Leah Patry – Treasurer
Toronto, ON – Over 25 years of experience in the financial field. Currently providing financial expertise to institutional clients within the global asset management division of one of the country’s chartered banks. Prior to this was a Global Equity Portfolio Manager at one of Canada’s largest pension funds.
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.