When it came time to fundraise Karen Ferguson, coordinator for the Hants Learning Network, knew they couldn't go wrong by teaming up with Scott Geddes proprietor of the Cocoa Pesto Bistro. “Hey, if you're going to fundraise lets make it fun and have a party,” he had said. And so they did. The 'Luncheon for Literacy' held June 18 drew 125 supporters and raised $1100 toward HLN literacy programs.

Lunch at the Cocoa-Pesto Bistro is hard to resist on any given day, but add supporting a good cause to the reasoning and people will show. Individuals from many organizations and levels of government relaxed togather while enjoying the spread. And they didn't forget why they were there. Kathy McKee-Flaherty of the Job Resource Center was on site and said literacy is still a hurdle for those seeking employment. “It's a really huge issue and we see how it holds people back from finding work.”

This was a unique endevour for the non-profit organization which provides life-long learning programs for everyone from children to seniors. Jean Hall a recent NSCC graduate said the HLN gave her the foundation she needed to pursue a new career. “I was always really timid about math but the tutoring they provided made such a difference,” she said.

Town of Windsor counsillor Laurie Murley joined friend Terry Howett to “support the cause” and said they know the importance of education. “We've both worked in the school system and it is still a passion for us,” Murley said.

Trudy Lake is an advisor on the HLN board and said the turn-out that afternoon was excellent. “This really helps to bring what we do out into the fore-front.” She noted it was a great opportunity to network with other agencies as well.



Ferguson was bolstered by the results. “It was so wonderful to see how the community will come out togather to support literacy, this is the beginning of great things to come. This was a huge success.”