The Dunkley Charitable Foundation has greatly expanded its commitment to the Leacock Medal, according to a news release.
The president of Stephen Leacock Associates, Michael Hill, announced that Brad and Sara Dunkley, trustees of the foundation, have committed $60,000 per year for the next seven years, increasing the amount of their original sponsorship by $25,000.
This pledge will enable Stephen Leacock Associates to enhance the medal competition and its associated student essay competition in the future, and to explore and implement other ways of promoting Canadian literary humour, noted the news release.
Brad and Sara Dunkley, in making this commitment, said, “We are happy to be supporting an organization that does such great work to encourage and recognize exceptional humorous Canadian literature.”
Brad won the student essay competition in 1993, and fondly remembers attending the gala award dinner where John Levesque received that year's Medal, and Harry Boyle entertained guests with his speech as the Mayor of Mariposa.
Hill said the Dunkleys' initial support three years ago revitalized the medal and student competitions at a time when there was real concern about the organization's ability to continue the awards.
The new commitment provides the associates with financial stability that will enable them to continue the medal award way beyond its 75-year history, and to continue to benefit the Canadian literary community, the release added.
For more information about the Leacock Medal and Stephen Leacock Associates, please visit www.leacock.ca.
