Helen Domshy has always known that knowing how to read is a pillar to a person's success, and a community's success.
The regular school system does not get through to every student.
Many adults make decisions that cut off their access to that base skill, many have learning disabilities that slow their progress. All kinds of reasons exist that prevent people from having fully-functional literacy skills.
Domshy spent years as the Prince George region's literacy outreach co-ordinator, all the while implementing new ways to boost those reading skills for people who most needed it.
This week, she was recognized nationally for it, as the B.C. winner of the annual Council of the Federation Literacy Award.
"Helen is a true community leader and champion for literacy in the north," said Premier Christy Clark.
"Literacy is the key to so many doors in life and Helen's commitment and passion has helped her fellow citizens connect with the programs and services they need to improve their well-being."
The awards - one for each province and territory - are bestowed by the nation's premiers.
It comes with a certificate signed by the respective premier, a council medallion and a cash award of $300.
Domshy, who recently moved to the Penticton area, immediately pointed the finger at her longtime community for the reason the award had her name on it.
"Prince George has always responded with everything I have ever wanted, when I needed resources for these programs," she said.
"It was the community that made these initiatives happen. People are so willing to work on things, make partnerships, step up for what needs to be done. I was just the little voice in the corner."
The council took note of Domshy's work to hold literacy workshops, to train those who would in turn train those in need of literacy instruction, and focus on initiatives that were responsive to the specific region of Prince George.
"I kept telling anyone who would listen that we didn't need a lot of outside experts or programs-in-a-box," she said.
"Some places need that, but I was convinced, and a lot of other people agreed, that we had the skills and the expertise right there in the north. And we did."
"Most of us cannot imagine what it would be like to struggle reading a newspaper or menu, complete basic forms or share a wonderful book with a grandchild. But that is the reality for some," said Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond.
"We are grateful for passionate volunteers like Helen Domshy who work tirelessly to improve literacy levels in our community and province. She is truly a worthy recipient of this significant award."
Fellow Prince George MLA Mike Morris concurred.
"Ms. Domshy is a driving force in the community and a benefit to many residents through her strong support for literacy," Morris said.
Domshy said the award was a reminder that work remains to be done.
People in the Prince George region are still in need of constant literacy focus for the good of the entire social and economic network.
"I am just blown away to receive recognition like this, but it really was a whole group of people, and I want the people of Prince George to hear me say we, W-E, won this award," Domshy said.
