Domshy picks up prestigious hardware

Local literacy giant Helen Domshy has officially received the Council of the Federation Literacy Award.

“It’s a very significant honour, and I couldn’t be more proud that someone in Northern BC was selected,” says MLA Shirley Bond. “The Premiers of our country have made improving literacy skills a priority, and literally hundreds of champions from across the province are nominated… For Helen Domshy to be given this award is truly important.”

After retiring to Penticton earlier this summer, Domshy made the trek back north to receive the award in front of friends and family.

She says the continued need for improved literacy continues to drive her.

“You come to Prince George, and there’s people that want to learn. I think a support system for that has to be there. People have to be able to access programs so that they can do what they want to in life, whether it’s for a job or personal satisfaction.”

Domshy spearheaded many adult literacy programs throughout PG and the surrounding area as the region’s literacy outreach co-ordinator, and she also credits the people of PG for helping her achieve so much.

“Whenever I said ‘Hey, let’s do this!’ The community always stepped up and said yes we can. That’s my motto about Prince George. It’s a can-do city, and I think Prince George can do anything. I’ve said it for the past eight years, and it’s always been true.”

She found out she would be the recipient of the reward in mid-September, and recalls a very strong reaction to the news.

“I just about fell down… I was in tears, I really was. I don’t think the girl on the other end of the phone understood that I couldn’t talk, so I finally said I lost my voice, I’m in tears here, I can’t believe it! In her mind, it was like ‘So what? Someone had to get it, why not you?’ but to me it was a very, very big deal.”