Book Launch & Fundraiser

Book Launch & Fundraiser 

Join Colleen René and Razia Hashimi on November 8 to celebrate the launches of their books.

About

Parkdale Project Read is a is a non-profit, community-based literacy program that operates an adult learning centre in the Parkdale community in Toronto, Canada. They offer free Literacy and Basic Skills Education and Academic Upgrading programs for English-speaking adults who want to learn to read and write, use basic math and/or computer skills, in order to gain more confidence and become more active in their communities. PPR regards literacy as a fundamental human right, essential to personal and community development. They are dedicated to creating a safe, supportive and accessible learning environment where students can bring their whole selves to learning - mind, body, spirit, and emotions.

Razia Hashimi is a poet born and raised in Afghanistan. Her book of poetry titled, Late Chance was published this year. "The fierceness of war in my home country never allowed me to feel peace. Life was too hard to leave room for writing. My life was about food, shelter, and raising children with eyes towards a better future. Canada became my home. It was here I realized that I could write poetry."

Colleen René is a Toronto-based writer and communiations professional. Her short story Growing Pains was long-listed for the CBC Short Story Prize in April 2022. Nothing in Truth Can Harm Us is her first novel.