Literacy Society co-founder and volunteer board chair steps back, new leadership steps up

MWFLS announces board and staff changes

News Release: August 27, 2024 [Port McNeill] –

Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society (MWFLS), a local nonprofit offering free learning programs, resources and events, announces the Society’s co-founder Kathy Martin is stepping back from the volunteer Board Chair position after more than 16 years of leadership. Kathy will remain on the board as past chair and director.

“The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society is an important part of my retired life from education,” said Martin. “I am so happy how this endeavour has grown and flourished with the dedicated efforts of the many community members. I’m ready to hand over the reins to the new co-chairs and still help behind the scenes as a Board member.”

The 78-year-old Port McNeill retired teacher and principal at Fort Rupert and Sunset Elementary Schools, started literacy initiatives in 2003 as the pre-school literacy coordinator and literacy bus manager. Since registering as an official nonprofit organization in 2008, Kathy Martin chaired the literacy society’s board of directors as a volunteer and fulfilled the duties of an executive director until the first was hired in 2022.

“Thank you to Kathy for her years of championing this society and the important work we do,” said MWFLS Executive Director Charity Gillett. “We would not be here without her passion, dedication and time spent supporting literacy in our communities, and we are so grateful for her presence and wisdom as she steps back from the position of Board Chair and continues as a member of our Board.”

New board co-chairs and directors

At the Annual General Meeting in June 2024, the MWFLS board elected current board directors Laura Kaminker (left) and Donna Merry (right) as volunteer co-chairs.

“We welcome our new Board Co-Chairs, Laura Kaminker, Library Manager with Vancouver Island Regional Library, and Donna Merry, North Island College Regional Manager for Mixalakwila Campus in Port Hardy,” said Gillett. “Both Donna and Laura are existing board members for MWFLS, and we appreciate their continued guidance and support as we move forward delivering literacy programming in the North Island.”

“It’s an honour and a privilege to step into the co-chair role,” said Kaminker. “I look forward to helping steer the Literacy Society as we continue to provide much-needed services to the North Island communities.”

“I fully agree with Laura,” said Merry. “It’s a privilege to work with such a high-functioning board and organization. It’s rewarding to be part of a growing organization with regular good news stories about the impacts of the range of programs the dedicated staff and volunteers deliver.”

In 2024, the Society also welcomed new board directors Jill Cook, Naomi Heith and Joyce McBride. Board director Jill Cook will be the new Secretary. Eagle View Elementary School Principal Stacia Johnson remains a board director.  

Staff changes

2024 has been a time of transition for the Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society. In May, Charity Gillett was hired as Executive director. Kelly Anderson is now Literacy Outreach Coordinator and continues in her role as Mother Goose on the Go Coordinator. Trish Weatherall continues as Communications Coordinator and United Way School’s Out Program Coordinator. Steph Coe continues as Community Adult Literacy Program Coordinator.

---

About Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society

The Mount Waddington Family Literacy Society supports literacy and learning on North Vancouver Island through free programs for people of all ages, in partnership with local communities, schools, and organizations.