Across the province, landmarks will light up in purple tonight in honor of International Literacy Day, thanks to our “Lights of Purple” sponsors, BC mayors and city councils for proclaiming September as Literacy Month.

This year’s theme is “Literacy: The Ripple Effect.” Literacy skills can improve life at home, at work and in the community, creating a positive ripple effect.

We have exciting events lined up! Join us at Donnellan’s Irish Pub in downtown Vancouver for our live Team Trivia Challenge, co-hosted for the eighth year by CBC’s Dan Burritt. Register your team today! Even if you can’t attend, you can still make a big impact.

For the third consecutive year, we’re proud to have First West Credit Union and its four divisions—Envision Financial, Valley First, Island Savings, and Enderby & District Financial—presenting September is Literacy Month. Every donation to support our trivia fundraiser will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, thanks to their generosity. Don’t miss this opportunity to double your impact—make your gift today!

I’m thrilled to announce that Decoda’s Program Manager, Maureen Kehler, has been honored with the 2024 Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COFLA) for British Columbia. What makes this award even more special is that Maureen was nominated by her peers in the literacy field, recognizing her remarkable contributions since 2012 to support 100 Literacy Outreach Coordinators (LOCs). Take a moment to read about why Maureen is so deserving of this recognition.

This issue also features the South Vancouver Neighbourhood House (SVNH) and their work in helping children improve their reading skills through the Fostering Literacy program. Funds raised during Literacy Month will support programs like these, providing after-school tutoring to elementary students in 19 BC communities. From empowering children to embrace reading to forging meaningful connections within schools, Fostering Literacy is transforming lives and nurturing a love for reading.

As part of our celebration, we recognize Diana Twiss, who just finished her term on the Decoda Board. Diana has had a huge impact on literacy over the years. The ripple effect of her contributions helped make Decoda a “hub for literacy” in BC. Our sincere gratitude goes out to her for her dedication and unwavering support.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to our Literacy Month partners: Rotary Club of Vancouver, Blue Sky Clothing, Marsh Canada, Megan Sutherland – BMO Nesbitt Burns, and our in-kind donors, especially PostMedia Network and the Vancouver Sun. A special thanks to CBC, our exclusive media broadcast sponsor, for showcasing Decoda’s PSAs throughout the month.

This September, we invite you to get involved! Check out local activities, #PutOnYourPurple by ordering your “Socks for Literacy,” and enter our province-wide The Literacy Ripple Effect Contest (#LiteracyRippleEffect). Don’t forget that Raise-a-Reader Week from September 20-27 is another great way to empower children and families to embrace reading.

Let’s celebrate literacy together!

Sandra Lee
Executive Director