This past May marks Barbara’s 25th year with GGP and her enthusiastic involvement in assisting and empowering immigrants and refugees to successfully integrate and flourish in our society. For the past 25 years, Barbara has served in various roles at GGP but found her most rewarding role to be working with immigrants and refugees to help gain their literacy skills including reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the spoken English language. By helping newcomers develop these skills for communication, she is helping them settle into their Canadian lives. 

Barbara took it upon herself to research the most common tests that newcomers need to pass if they wish to pursue post-secondary studies and quickly became a specialist in helping them study for and pass these exams. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), CELPIP (Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program), and IELTS (International English Language Testing System) are critical to future success for many individuals, as they are required for further education and employment in many regulated professions in Canada. With Barbara’s expert help, many of her mentees have not only achieved success in their respective fields as engineers, psychologists, entrepreneurs, and academics, but have also formed lasting friendships.
 
The Volunteer Service Award honours an individual who shows dedication and commitment to supporting literacy in Saskatchewan. Through Barbara’s unwavering efforts, she has touched countless lives, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, empathy, and understanding. We could not be more thrilled to have Barbara receive this award to highlight her bright spirit, generosity, and dedication. Volunteers like Barbara are truly special, and GGP is privileged to have Barbara donate thousands of volunteer hours, skills, and compassionate commitment to ensure clients’ settlement and academic success.