About Us

The Windsor Volunteers for Literacy Foundation (WVLF) was informally founded along with the Windsor Public Library’s Adult Literacy programme in September 1980. The library’s Manager of Public Service, responsible for adult literacy, brought tutors and learners together, naming it the Windsor Volunteers for Literacy (WVL). As a member of the Library’s Management Team, David Eady was the lead proponent in lobbying the Library Board to approve an adult literacy service and was named President of the group. As adult literacy became well established, David stepped back, but still maintained contact with the Coordinator.

Early in the 2000s, the Windsor Volunteers for Literacy became involved in bingos. This opportunity necessitated the creation of a more formal organization. As a result, an executive was elected and a Constitution adopted. The WVL joined the Charitable Gaming Association and the venue was Paradise Bingo. The organization targeted adult literacy as the prime beneficiary of funding from proceeds. Later, the library moved into the Book Buddy reading programme. This programme was designated as a prime beneficiary for WVL’s financial support as well. Eventually, the City decided the Windsor Public Library could not be perceived to have involvement with gaming. The city ordered the organization to incorporate. WVL incorporated and applied for charitable status. As a result, the name officially changed to Windsor Volunteers for Literacy Foundation.

The WVLF Board meets four times annually. Two executive meetings, the AGM, and a general meeting. Membership is open to anyone dedicated to improving literacy in our community. Over the years the Foundation has moved from an integrated part of the Windsor Public Library to a separate independent entity while maintaining close ties with the library.

Today, the WVLF is registered with the Paradise Charitable Gaming Association, part of the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association which regulates bingos in the Province. Working at the bingos on behalf of the Foundation is entirely voluntary. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age, have completed an online training session, as devised by the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association, and be a bona fide member of the Foundation. As Bingo Coordinator, David schedules the volunteers for the sessions (2 hours) we are awarded and our Treasurer, Linda Youdelis, completes and submits financial reports to the City.

Over the decades, bingo proceeds have been lucrative, enabling us to expand our financial support beyond the library to other non profit literacy projects. This expansion reinforces our mission to promote literacy in our area. To date, $339,000 has been awarded to literacy projects. The WVLF welcomes new volunteers to assist with bingos.

---

---

---

---

---

Ron Barfknecht, Member-at-Large
Janet Carr, Member-at-Large
Robert Ross, Member-at-Large
Emily Ross, Member-at-Large
Kristin Raymond, Member-at-Large
Dave Garlick, Member at Large

---

To promote, advance and support organizations that serve to improve literacy in the Windsor community, and to raise public awareness of programs that improve literacy.

People of Windsor-Essex living in a healthy community comprised of individuals
empowered with limitless opportunity to develop their literacy skills and achieve their
potential.

• Literacy Matters – literacy, in its varying forms, is the foundation of all learning and the path to a promising future
• Outcome Focused – advocate for critical literacy skills necessary to reach full potential
• Together We are Better – support charitable organizations whose mission and vision align with the Windsor Volunteers for Literacy Foundation
• Integrity – committed to operating ethically
• Respect – all persons will be treated with consideration and dignity and have access to literacy programs