Action ABC Launches Unique Book

Action ABC, a literacy program for individuals with life challenges, will launch a unique book entitled The Writer's Pen, on Tuesday, November 27, in collaboration with The Montreal General Hospital of the McGill University Health Centre, The Jewish General Hospital, The Douglas Hospital and The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

The Writer's Pen contains poetry and prose which reflect the hopes and dreams of many of Action ABC's students all of whom have fallen through the educational cracks and are working toward self improvement through enhancing their reading and writing skills using creative writing. These individuals range in age from 18 to 70. At the book launch, which will be held at The Montreal General Hospital, several of the co-authors will proudly read excerpts from the book and later express the positive impact the book has had on their lives. The book will be distributed to libraries and hospitals across Canada.

"The production of this book is the result of months of hard work and dedication of students, teachers, health care workers and Jo Altilia who coordinated the effort," said Lisa Lucas, director and founder of Action ABC.

Action ABC was founded in 1997. It presently operates five programs in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities in Montreal and Toronto. Action ABC's mission is based on the belief that literacy education provides individuals with special needs the basic life skills that are essential for establishing a viable, self sufficient existence within society. The need for front line literacy education has been recognized by health care workers across Canada as an important component of health.

Media invitation
Members of the media are invited to attend the book launch.

Date: Tuesday, November 27, 2001
Time: 11:00 a.m. to noon
Place: The Montreal General Hospital, 1650 Cedar Ave. Livingston Hall, 6th Floor
Montreal, Quebec