A love of reading has been part of this couple’s family story for generations. From reading with their own children to making memories with their six grandchildren, they’ve always believed in the power of books to bring people together and open doors to learning. After retiring from careers in engineering and federal public service, they’ve kept busy enjoying time with their six grandchildren, staying active through sports and hiking, travelling, and taking on projects around the house. And, of course, there’s always a good book on the go!

Their connection to the Centre for Family Literacy spans well over ten years. Over the years, they’ve enjoyed attending Wine & Words, the golf tournament, the Lois Hole Awards, and corporate breakfasts. Having also served on the Centre’s Development Committee for many years, they have seen firsthand the importance of supporting literacy in our community.

For them, literacy starts with families. Some of their most treasured moments are spent reading and learning with their grandchildren, just as they did with their own children. They believe literacy is the foundation for a productive and successful life, building confidence, supporting learning, and giving people the skills they need to navigate everyday life. They also love how books open the door to new ideas, great minds, and a lifetime of entertainment. Some family favourites include How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Day the Crayons Quit!

Inspired by the powerful personal stories of the Lois Hole Award recipients and the difference the Centre makes in people’s lives, they wanted to continue supporting this important work.

That’s why they’ve stepped up as matching donors for our Literacy Changes the Story campaign! From November 17 to December 1, their matching support means your donation can go twice as far, helping keep our programs free for the adults, children, and families who need them.

We’re so grateful for their continued commitment to literacy and for helping inspire others to make a difference. Together, we can help more families write brighter futures through literacy!

What do a love of reading, a cozy spot by the fire, and a passion for helping families have in common? For Rick and Karin Selles, they’re all part of the story!

Rick spent many years working in the construction industry and is now enjoying retirement, keeping active and making time for a good book. Karin has shared her love of reading by volunteering with a local elementary school’s reading program, and together, they’ve always encouraged literacy in their own family.

After learning more about the Centre for Family Literacy through a family member on staff, Rick and Karin discovered how our programs help families build skills, confidence, and brighter futures. They believe literacy is a fundamental building block for future success, and they wanted to help more people experience its benefits.

That’s why they’ve stepped up as matching donors for our Literacy Changes the Story campaign! From November 17 to December 1, their matching support means your donation can go twice as far, helping keep our programs free for the adults, children, and families who need them.

We’re so grateful to Rick and Karin for helping more families write brighter futures through literacy.

When Dolce arrived in Canada from Taiwan, she was starting over while raising two children. Determined to strengthen her English and pursue her dream of becoming a program coordinator, she found the Centre for Family Literacy and joined the Adult Tutor Program.

Dolce’s learning journey soon grew into something bigger. She joined book clubs, developed her digital skills and eventually even became a volunteer with CFL, helping families connect through stories, songs and learning. Today, she is sharing her skills through our volunteer program,  welcoming other families into the community that supported her. Her story shows how literacy can open doors not only for learners, but for their families and entire communities.

A message from Dolce: “I want to share how I cherish the CFL. Your kindness not only supports learners in building skills, but also leads them on an invisible road to strengthen their knowledge through reading, understand that knowledge is power, and finally have the bravery to pursue their dreams. Your support is like drops of water converging into a river, reaching every corner and affecting lives. I believe this is the spirit of Canada. This spirit has nurtured me, and I am also building my ability now so I can contribute to the community in the near future and let this kindness continue to be passed on.”

Your support helps families like Dolce’s build confidence, reach their goals and create new chapters together.

Six weeks after her first daughter was born, Ashley joined the Centre for Family Literacy’s Rhymes That Bind program. While she initially sought out songs and rhymes, she found a vital lifeline of socialization during the massive transition into motherhood. Throughout the pandemic, CFL’s online programs allowed her to safely connect from home, where the encouragement of supportive groups and facilitators helped her build the deep confidence she needed to help her family thrive.

Today, Ashley has come full circle and runs a successful community playgroup of her own, creating meaningful connections for local families. She is proudly raising three girls surrounded by stories, music, and a lifelong love of learning. Your support empowers families like Ashley’s to write their own vibrant stories—and inspires them to lift up others in their community.

Your support helps families like Ashley’s write their own stories—and inspire others to do the same.

When Paige first found the Centre for Family Literacy, her 2½-year-old son Henry experienced some developmental challenges and initially found it difficult to connect with others. After spending much of his early life at home during the pandemic, connecting with others was difficult. Through CFL’s programs, Paige discovered how reading, playing and learning together could support her son’s development—and found a community along the way.

Today, Henry loves books, eagerly retells stories, communicates with confidence and proudly connects with others. For Paige, family literacy is more than reading, it’s about building confidence, strengthening relationships and creating a lifelong love of learning.

Your support helps families like Paige and Henry continue their story, creating more opportunities for connection, confidence and a love of learning.