RANKIN INLET - A week of fun-filled activities to improve literacy culminated with the Peter Gzowski Invitational (PGI) for Literacy golf tournament in Rankin Inlet this past week.

Golfers on celebrity Jonathan Torrens's team seemed to have a little easier time with their approach shots during the Peter Gzowski Invitation golf tournament for literacy in Rankin Inlet this past week. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

The hamlet played host to a number of celebrities for the event, including radio personality Shelagh Rogers (celebrity host); actor Jonathan Torrens; award-winning author and teacher Joseph Boyden; award-winning musicians Connie Kaldor and Mike Stevens; Gzowski's daughter, Alison; and hip hop and rap artists Taqralik Partridge (Kujjuaq) and Geronimo Inutiq (Clyde River, Iqaluit).

Nunavut Literacy Council executive director Kim Crockatt said the event went extremely well.

She said the golf tournament was only two hours out of three days worth of literacy activities.

"All of our celebrities were absolutely wonderful in the hours they spent going from classroom to classroom in our schools," said Crockatt.

"They spent so much time with the kids, and submitted to every request for an autograph or photo during their time in Rankin.

"The golf course was amazing for the tournament.

"Our rec director, David Clark, and his staff did a fantastic job in preparing it."

More than $6,000 was raised by a silent auction held during the event.

The final tally on funds raised through sponsorships was not available as of press time.

The money raised through the PGI allows the Nunavut Literacy Council to provide grants and support to community-based organizations that are interested in delivering literacy programs or integrating literacy into existing programs.

Each PGI is part of a national series of 15 events, which are the largest fundraisers for literacy in Canada.

Crockatt said a small amount of the money is also used to help develop some of the council's resources that are sent out across the territory.

"It was also nice to be able to have the event in a place where our staff members are located because, other than myself, staff members never get to attend a PGI.

"So, this time they were actually able to enjoy the PGI after putting so much time and effort into organizing the event."