On October 16th, the Literacy Coalition held its 2025 Literacy Dinner and Auction (formerly PGI) at the Delta Hotel in Fredericton. In 2022, LCNB held the last fundraiser to don the PGI name, but this important event will be continuing under a new name, and we are pleased to announce that it was a success!

The Honourable Claire Johnson, Minister of Education and Early Childhood development, gave inspiring opening remarks on behalf of the province.

This year’s Champion of Literacy was Gardiner MacDougall. One of the most accomplished hockey coaches in Canadian history, he is often referred to as the most “winningest” coach in Canadian men’s university hockey. Throughout his career, Gardiner has been recognized with numerous accolades, including the UNB President’s medal, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, the King Charles Coronation Medal and induction into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame in 2021.
Off the ice, Gardiner fosters academic excellence, with more than 100 of his players achieving Academic All-Canadian honours. The Moncton Wildcats also promote the importance of literacy in their “Reading in Wild” program, which leverages their popularity to encourage children to read. In 2016, they reached the incredible milestone of a million books read through this program since its inception in 1998.

The Marian Zaichkowski Memorial Award was presented to LCNB’s recently retired Executive Director, Lynda Homer, for her outstanding work and dedication to literacy over her career. While at LCNB, she has led award winning projects, spearheaded many community initiatives, and made a difference in the lives of countless children, families, and adult learners. Lynda continues to give back to the community as President of Born to Read, a volunteer run organization giving their signature red bags of books to families of newborns.

The President’s Award was presented to Chuck Cartmill, founder and long time CEO of LED Roadway Lighting, for his incredible support of literacy both in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Under his leadership, LED Roadway Lighting has grown from a small start up to a global manufacturer with customers in more than 60 countries.
A long-time friend and supporter of LCNB, Chuck has shown exceptional generosity and unwavering support for our work.

As always, a special part of the evening was honouring and hearing from our award-winning adult learners, Katrina Evans, Abigail Smith and Ndenebai Josiane. Their awards were presented by LCNB’s President Brent Melanson, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development Claire Johnson, and Colin Richardson from the Delta Fredericton.

“I would like to thank our generous sponsors and all who supported us by purchasing tickets, making donations and attending our Gala Dinner and Auction for Literacy. Thanks also to our co-chairs, Bob Scott and Ashley Counsell, and the entire Committee for all of their remarkable efforts in making this year’s event another success,” said LCNB President Brent Melanson.

Since the inaugural Peter Gzowski Dinner and Auction, the Literacy Coalition has raised more than 1.6 million dollars for literacy in New Brunswick.

“We are looking forward to hosting this fundraiser for many years to come,” said Acting Executive Director, Susan Yarom. “This event will continue to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and adult learners across the province.”

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For more information, please contact:

Susan Yarom
Acting Executive Director
Tel: 506.457.1227
Email: lcnb@nbliteracy.ca

For immediate release

Fredericton, May 27^th, 2025 – The Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick is announcing the retirement of its Executive Director, Lynda Homer.

Lynda has been Executive Director since 2015, with several years of service being both President and Board Member. She brought an incredible amount of experience and knowledge to the Literacy Coalition, and has been a steadfast leader in literacy and essential skills over her career. During her time at LCNB, Lynda oversaw critical projects such as the Essential Skills for Atlantic Fisheries (ESAF) project, as well as its successor, Essential and Employability Skills – Health Sector (ESS-HS). Under her leadership, LCNB was recognized by ABC Life Literacy in 2020 in their Canada Life Literacy Innovation Award for LCNB’s Family Time Online project. Last year, Lynda was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her outstanding contribution and commitment to literacy in New Brunswick.

Lynda will be missed by the Coalition, its Board, and partners. The New Brunswick community of literacy volunteers wishes her luck and happiness in her future endeavors.

“I have worked with Lynda for a long time and she will be sorely missed,” said Brent Melanson, President of the Literacy Coalition. “She has always been the lynchpin of our organization. I wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement.”

Susan Yarom, who has been with LCNB since 2018, has been appointed Acting Executive Director.

“Looking back on nearly a decade as Executive Director of the Literacy Coalition—and many more years in different roles before that—I’m filled with gratitude and a deep sense of pride,” Lynda said. “It’s been an unforgettable journey, working with so many dedicated and passionate individuals who care deeply about literacy in New Brunswick and beyond.  My heartfelt best wishes to everyone, especially to Susan Yarom as she steps into her new role as Acting Executive Director.”  

The Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick provides leadership to advance literacy, lifelong learning, and essential skills for all citizens through partnerships and collaboration with government, educational institutions, business, labour, community organizations and individuals.

For more information, please contact:

Susan Yarom
Acting Executive Director
Tel.: 506.457.1227                                                                               
Email: lcnb@nbliteracy.ca

Fredericton, April 16, 2025 – The Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick will be celebrating New Brunswick Literacy Day by announcing the winners of our 2025 adult learner essay contest. The 2025 theme was “Literacy Changes Lives” which led to many heart-warming stories from contestants speaking about a brighter future resulting from their adult learning program. Also, as part of our NB Literacy Day celebrations, all submissions will be featured on our website in our Adult Learners’ eBook.

The essay contest winners are:

Katrina Evans – 1^st place winner (English)
Denebe Josiane – 1^st place winner (French)
Jessica Nicholas – 1^st place winner (Indigenous)
Abigail Smith – Runner Up

Each contest winner will receive a $150 prize, while the runner-up will be awarded $75, and all recipients will also receive a framed certificate. Additionally, winners will be invited to read their essays at the LCNB Gala Literacy Dinner, which will take place this fall at the Delta Fredericton.

Literacy is crucial for the future of New Brunswick, according to Literacy Coalition President Brent Melanson. He says that “at a time when literacy skills are increasingly critical for survival and participation in society, our work to support lifelong learning for children, youth and adults has never been more important”.

“New Brunswick Literacy Day is an occasion to acknowledge the triumphs that many New Brunswickers have had.” says Lynda Homer, Executive Director of the LCNB. “We need to celebrate the remarkable individuals who are making learning a priority in their lives, and the extraordinary adult literacy educators who are helping them to achieve their goals”.

The Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick provides leadership to advance literacy, lifelong learning, and essential skills for all citizens through partnerships and collaboration with government, educational institutions, business, labour, community organizations and individuals.
For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Executive Director
Tel.: 506.457.1227                                                                               
Email: lcnb@nbliteracy.ca

Adult Literacy Week is an occasion to acknowledge the triumphs that many New Brunswickers have and celebrate the importance of life-long learning in our lives.

We were thrilled to receive 24 wonderful and inspiring submissions this year! Thank you to each learner who took the time to send in a submission.

Read all of the wonderful essays in our ebook by clicking here!

We are excited to now announce the winners! Click on their name to read their essay:

The Literacy Coalition of New Brunswick will be holding its 2025 Gala Literacy Dinner and Auction on October 16th, 2025 at the Delta Fredericton!

We will be celebrating our 2025 Literacy Champion and other special individuals who have made outstanding contributions to literacy in New Brunswick. The evening will also feature personal stories from inspiring adult learners.

This major fundraiser makes a vital difference for children and adults who struggle with reading, writing, numeracy, and essential skills. The funds raised will support valuable early childhood and adult learning programs, libraries, tutoring, and other community literacy initiatives across the province.

Event Details
Date: Thursday, October 16th, 2025
Location: Delta Marriot Hotel, Woodstock Road, Fredericton, NB
Time: Reception and Silent Auction at 6:00 pm with Dinner and Live Auction at 6:45 pm

Tickets are $150 each or $1,200 for a table of 8. Tickets can be purchased by contacting LCNB at: lcnb@nbliteracy.ca or (506) 457-1227.

You can also order tickets through our order form by clicking here.

THANK YOU for helping make a difference for New Brunswickers of all ages!