Cornwall, Ontario – Tri-County Literacy Council would like to invite the local community to celebrate International Literacy Day and National Truck Driving Day on Saturday, September 18th, 2021, from 10 am to 3 pm in front of TCLC located on 101 Second Street West in Cornwall.

The outdoor event and celebration will include guest speakers, cupcakes, a colouring contest, prizes and giveaways, and live busker music.

Special guests include TCLC Chair Barbara Petepiece, Cornwall Mayor Mr. Glen Grant, TCLC Executive Director Dina McGowan, Take the Wheel Ontario Project Supervisor Carolyn Eva, and TCLC Volunteer Coordinator Carol Anne Maloney. The speeches start at 11 am in front of Tri-County Literacy Council.

“We are happy to welcome such wonderful guests to celebrate literacy. Literacy is essential to a community’s economic development, whether it is Cornwall, Toronto, or any other community. In terms of economic development, it means that we need to increase our upgrading programs to continually create a viable workforce. Cornwall, like any city, is striving for sustained economic growth. To do so, it must create a workforce with the skills required to meet an ever-changing economy. Therefore, it is important we ensure our economy is diversified,” says Executive Director Dina McGowan.

Also, Vic & The Panda from Fresh Radio 104.5 will be broadcasting live on the front lawn of Tri-County Literacy Council from 10 am to 2 pm. After that, special guest and Canadian Senator Bernadette Clement will announce the winner of the colouring contest.

From 2 to 3 pm, there will be live busker music by Keegan Larose and guests. Keegan Larose recently returned to Cornwall and has become a music teacher at O’Neil Studios Instructors Group.

The first International Literacy Day was declared by UNESCO 55 years ago, in 1966. The day aims to highlight the importance of literacy to individuals, communities, and societies. Celebrations take place in numerous countries around the world.

While National Truck Driving Day celebrates the importance of the truck driving profession. Take the Wheel Ontario will have a booth where people can win fabulous prizes, including baseball caps, hoodies, and more.

Take the Wheel Ontario is a regional partnership project led by Tri-County Literacy Council. The project is responding to the urgent shortage of truck drivers by promoting trucking career opportunities to women and youth in Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry, and in Prescott and Russell.

“From food, consumer good, supplies, and more – the trucking industry keeps the engine of the economy roaring. A shortage of truck drivers could put the brakes on economic growth,” says Project Coordinator Carolyn Eva.

Take the Wheel aims to educate people about how to enter the trucking industry and the various types of jobs related to the sector, including dispatch, mechanics, loaders, and more.

Lastly, COVID-19 measures including social distancing, hand sanitizing, and masking will be enforced.

About Take the Wheel: Take the Wheel is an Employment Ontario project of Tri-County Literacy Council funded by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development. For more information about Take the Wheel, follow them on Facebook and Instagram (takethewheelontario). Also, visit their website and sign-up for the newsletter: https://takethewheelontario.ca

About TCLC: Tri-County Literacy Council is a community-based, non-profit organization. Their mandate is to enrich both our community and individuals by addressing literacy needs. TCLC is located at 101 Second Street West in downtown Cornwall. Call 613-932-7161 or visit their website for more information: https://tricountyliteracycouncil.wordpress.com/