We are delighted and humbled to announce that Strong Start was named the 2023 Diamond winner of the Waterloo Region Record Readers’ Choice Awards in the Non-Profit / Foundations category for the second year in a row. We would like to congratulate Platinum winner, SPECTRUM, Waterloo Region’s Rainbow Community Space, and Gold winner, Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, and all the other nominees.

“Thank you for your time to support us with your nominations and votes. We continue to be inspired by our community of champions committed to helping young children learn to read. We share this award with all our volunteers, donors, supporters, friends and family of Strong Start,” shared Chief Executive Officer, Machelle Denison.

This recognition for Strong Start fuels our existing passion and purpose to help create lifelong readers. We are working hard to grow our Letters, Sounds and Words™ program and impact with a goal of adding 750 new schools in 750 days. We know that more children than ever will need the support of our programs, volunteers and community champions.

Click here to watch a special thank you message from CEO, Machelle Denison.

About Strong Start: Strong Start® Charitable Organization is a registered Canadian charity that helps young children learn to read. Our programs involve working with children directly in addition to providing resources for families to support the development of strong early literacy skills. We work through partnerships with schools, community centres, libraries, agencies, educators, and volunteers to create lifelong readers. Together, we are helping young children reach their potential and strengthening communities.