Who is Rita DeBook?

From a mannequin to a literacy advocate...

Rita DeBook may not be able talk but her message will be heard loud and clear.

“Literacy is about more than reading a book.”

Rita DeBook is part of a literacy awareness contest that will run for 2 weeks in Middlesex, beginning July 4th 2011

It wasn't too long ago that Rita was a brand new mannequin in a storage facility in Toronto, yearning to be a part of something greater. She decided to pack up her life (and herself) and shipped out to London Ontario in 2010 to become a full time literacy advocate. Several community partners have gathered to aid Rita in her quest for a universal understanding of literacy.The hope is that Londoners will start asking each other - “What is Literacy?” Actually, she has already met with area politicians to get this conversation started.

Whether you use a phone book, read a bus schedule or measure a piece of wood, “literacy” is there. “The ability to read, write and use math gives each of us independence and power,” said Irene Wilmott, the Executive Director of Literacy London Inc. “These skill help us to absorb and apply information at work and at home.”

Rita DeBook would whole heartedly agree, if she could talk. But just because she’s a mannequin doesn’t mean she won’t be heard. Between photo opportunities, meetings with politicians and her Facebook and Twitter accounts, Rita DeBook has finally given literacy a voice.