Canada's best authors, a party with 400 young book lovers and the
"Doris-tini" create a literary cocktail for success

    
    Annual Scotiabank Giller Light Bash in support of Frontier College takes
    place November 10th
    

TORONTO , Oct. 29 /CNW/ - On November 10th , book lovers in Toronto will gather at the Berkeley Church for the 8th year to honour 2009's Scotiabank Giller Prize finalists.

The Scotiabank Giller Light Bash, Toronto's most popular alternative Giller party, is held each year in support of Frontier College, Canada's original literacy organization.

Hosted by celebrity blogger Lainey Lui of laineygossip.com and etalk, this year's Bash will continue to raise awareness for literacy, while ensuring a fun-filled night. With over 400 attendees expected to party the night away with the "Doris-tini" - a cocktail mixed in honour of the prize's namesake, Doris Giller -, raffle prizes and a live broadcast of the Scotiabank Giller Prize itself, the night has traditionally been filled with surprises as Giller winners and authors alike have been known to join the festivities.

"The ability to read and understand the written word is fundamental to every day life," said Lynn Hampson , Scotiabank Area Vice-President, Toronto Region. "At Scotiabank, we are proud to work with partners like Frontier College and the Rabinovich family, to help make literacy more accessible."

Through a network of 2,500 volunteers, Frontier College has helped Canadians improve their literacy skills since 1899. Frontier College also partners with corporate citizens such as Scotiabank to raise funds to provide critical literacy training. Since 2002, this leading literary event has raised over $125,000 for Frontier College's literacy programs.

"Literacy is the key to so many opportunities. Events such as the Scotiabank Giller Light Bash can help Canadians unlock the door to a new life," says Sherry Campbell , President, Frontier College. "We are helping children, youth and adults improve their literacy skills so that they can reach their potential at home, at work, in school and in their communities."

The Bash combines a taste of the Scotiabank Giller Prize Gala formalities with a hip-urban twist. Guests watch the live broadcast of the Gala on big screen, mingle with fellow guests at the Berkeley Church in Toronto and have the chance to Guess The Giller by submitting their vote on the book they think will win the coveted Scotiabank Giller Prize. This year's event also features a surprise entertainment performance.

Tickets for the 2009 Scotiabank Giller Light Bash in Toronto are available online at www.gillerlightbash.ca and cost $25 , $50 or $100 . All proceeds from this event support Frontier College and provide essential literacy programs for children, youth and adults across the country.

    
    Event Details

    Tuesday, November 10th, 2009
    7:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
    Berkeley Church
    315 Queen Street East
    Toronto, ON
    

About Scotiabank

Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic activities, in 2008 the Bank provided about $43 million in sponsorships and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas of healthcare, education and social services and arts and culture. Please visit us at www.scotiabank.com

About Frontier College

Literacy is an essential skill in today's world. At Frontier College, we believe it's a fundamental right. Low literacy skills are directly linked to poverty, poor health and high unemployment. Over forty percent of adult Canadians have trouble with everyday tasks that involve reading. Through a network of thousands of volunteers, Frontier College is helping people to realize their potential and seize the opportunities that come their way. For more information visit www.frontiercollege.ca

For further information: Olivia Yu, Environics Communications, [phone], [email protected]; Frontier College Foundation, Kendra Tedford Devine, [phone], ext. 335, [email protected]