Cathy Fox
Published online November 5, 2025, at www.pontiacjournal.com.
CAMPBELL’S BAY — A full house gathered October 25 at Brauwerk Hoffman for the annual general meeting of the Western Quebec Literacy Council (WQLC), celebrating nearly five decades of community service and education.
Founded 47 years ago by a group of special education teachers from the former Aylmer School Board wanting more support for their students, the WQLC evolved into a thriving non-profit organization serving the entire western Quebec region.
This year’s energetic and dedicated team includes four volunteer board members who met seven times throughout the year to guide the work of four staff members. Together, they have supported 22 active tutors—including 11 currently in training—and coordinated numerous individual and group sessions for school-aged and adult learners.
Family activity clubs at four local elementary schools have become a popular way to reach young readers, while digital learning cafés and themed workshops helped seniors gain confidence with modern technology. The WQLC also partnered with several local organizations serving the English-speaking community, including Connexions Resource Centre, the Regional Association of West Quebecers, the Western Quebec School Board, Réseau Biblio Outaouais, Brauwerk Hoffman, CHSLDs, and various municipal and regional governments.
The organization’s website underwent a major overhaul, offering improved access to online learning tools and tutor resources. Staff can now work both remotely and in-office, and more than 1,500 books were distributed to match individual learners’ interests.
The annual Marilee Delombard Awards, recognizing perseverance and commitment to learning, were presented to Gracie Pullen, Ethan Thomas, Owen Thomas, and Emma Thomas, with the Tutor Award going to Donna Mouzard for her many years of service as a reading buddy.
Special guest Robert Wills, partner of the late Marilee Delombard, shared heartfelt remarks about her dedication to adult literacy. He recalled how many men of her generation left school early to work on farms or in logging camps, while only girls were encouraged to continue their education. Wills emphasized the patience required in adult learning, as older learners often face greater challenges in retaining new information—but with perseverance and the right materials, for both learners and tutors, success is always possible.
Tribute was also paid to longtime volunteer tutor Peter Gauthier, whose recent passing left a noticeable void in the WQLC community.
Looking ahead, the Council aims to expand its local fundraising efforts and recruit more volunteers to meet the growing demand for literacy support across all age groups.
Photo – Executive director Greg Graham addresses attendees at the WQLC annual general meeting October 25 at Brauwerk Hoffman. (CF)
