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READ Surrey and White Rock executive director receives B.C. literacy award
Shanti Ang has received the 2026 B.C. Council of the Federation Literacy Award for more than a decade of community literacy work with READ Surrey and White Rock.
READ Surrey and White Rock says its executive director and literacy outreach co-ordinator, Shanti Ang, has received the 2026 B.C. Council of the Federation Literacy Award (COFLA).
The award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy in every province and territory. In British Columbia, it honours a literacy champion or organization helping Indigenous, workplace or community learners gain literacy skills intended to improve their lives.
Ang said she was proud to do the work with READ Surrey and White Rock and pleased to belong to an organization that advocates for people from all walks of life so that no one is left behind in literacy. The organization described her as a tireless champion whose community partnerships and connection with learners have expanded literacy opportunities and built community capacity.
Treasurer Anne Gardner called Ang a transformative leader whose hands-on, community-focused approach continues to create lasting positive change. READ said Ang has spent more than 10 years with the registered charity, working through partnerships with Surrey Libraries, the Surrey School District and others. During that time, she has championed family literacy and helped develop programs including Read With Kids, StoryWalks, Book Buddies and Partners Adult Literacy Tutoring.
Jenny Fry, Surrey Libraries’ director of programs and partnerships, said she was delighted to nominate Ang, citing their long-running work to improve adult literacy in Surrey and Ang’s dedication and enthusiasm.
READ and Ang are inviting the community to mark the achievement during September’s Literacy Month. The Raise-a-Reader Campaign runs Sept. 18 to 25 and supports literacy programs for children and families, including READ Surrey-White Rock. The organization is also seeking volunteer tutors, board members and Friends of Literacy participants. Individuals, organizations and businesses can also join the Surrey White Rock Literacy Task Group, a community alliance that co-ordinates literacy work in Surrey and White Rock. More information is available at readsurreywhiterock.com.