The Event

Literacy Link South Central is celebrating its 20th anniversary by inviting 2-time NHL coach of the year - Senator Jacques Demers, to speak about his life in the NHL while struggling with literacy. The one-night event, “Facing Off with Literacy”, will take place at the London Convention Centre in London, Ontario on November 10th, 2011. Literacy is often a stigmatized issue and having someone such as Mr. Demers share his personal experiences and hardships will shed new light on the power of acknowledgement and self-improvement.

Join us for an unforgettable night of hockey and literacy that will leave you inspired for your own future.

Details

When: 6pm – 9pm, November 10^th 2011

Where: London Convention Centre, 300 York st. London, ON

Price: $50 CAD per ticket

Agenda includes:

·         Mix and mingle

·         Host introductions

·         Jacques Demers’ address

·         Appetizers and Dessert

·         Prize draws and autograph signings

Literacy Community Partners

• Collège Boréal
• Elgin Middlesex Oxford Workforce Planning and Development Board
• Employment Ontario
• Frontier College
• Gateway to Learning
• Goodwill Industries
• Literacy Link South Central
• Literacy London
• London Public Library
• Nokee Kwe
• Thames Valley District School Board

The Issue of Literacy

Literacy has long been an issue in Canada and our community with the effect of low levels seen in today’s employment numbers, education levels and overall quality of life. 1 in 4 Canadians face everyday literacy problems but many of these issues go unchecked due to the lack of awareness.

About Jacques Demers

Jacques Demers is the former head coach of the Montreal Canadiens, taking the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 1993. Mr. Demers is a well respected figure in the hockey world, winning the Jack Adams Award for NHL Coach of the Year in 1987 and 1988, the only person to do so in consecutive years. In 2007, he was named one of the 100 most influential personalities in hockey by The Hockey News magazine.

On November 2nd 2005, Jacques Demers released a biography, written by Mario Leclerc, titled En toutes lettres (English translation: All Spelled Out) where he revealed that he is functionally illiterate. Demers managed to keep his illiteracy a secret from just about everyone else as he built his career in the NHL, fearing that it would damage his career. Demers hopes that by bringing the issue out and coming out from the shame, he'll be able to help others like him.  Since then, he has served as Honorary President of fundraising campaign of the Fondation de l’alphabétisation, and has made numerous presentations on the subject throughout Canada.

About Literacy Link South Central

Literacy Link South Central is a regional literacy network in London, Ontario that exists to support adult literacy programs and to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and how literacy affects our society.