For IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 20, 2024, Waterloo, ON – Strong Start® Charitable Organization is proud to share that Chris Howlett, a dedicated volunteer developer and technical advisor, has been awarded the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal. This remarkable honor, presented by The Honourable Marty Deacon, Independent Senator for Ontario, recognizes Chris’ exceptional contributions to community service and philanthropy through his work with Strong Start.
The King Charles III Coronation Medal, established to commemorate the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III on May 6, 2023, is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities or achieved outstanding accomplishments that bring credit to Canada. Chris’ tireless commitment to improving children’s literacy aligns perfectly with this vision, making him a well-deserving recipient.
Chris Howlett has volunteered with Strong Start as a technology expert/developer for over 14 years, developing two innovative web applications that have transformed their ability to scale programs and impact. SiTE SOURCE™ provides schools with a secure website to enroll children, submit assessment results, assign volunteers, record volunteer hours, and download program-support resources. ViP™ (Volunteer Information Portal) enables trained volunteers to connect directly with schools in need.
The ceremony, held at THEMUSEUM in Kitchener, Ontario, on Tuesday, December 17, brought together a distinguished group of honorees recognized for their impactful work in various fields, including community service, sports, and philanthropy. Chris’ recognition underscores the vital role literacy plays in shaping the future and transforming lives.
“We are thrilled to see Chris Howlett receive this incredible honor,” said Machelle Denison, Chief Executive Officer of Strong Start, who was also in attendance at the ceremony. “His unwavering commitment to our mission has made a profound difference in the lives of children and families in the communities we serve. This recognition is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and we couldn’t be prouder.”
Chris had this to share about his volunteer work at Strong Start, “It is a great privilege to help Strong Start pursue its mission of helping Canada’s children develop critical yearly literacy skills. I make sure Strong Start has the computer systems it needs to grow to serve more and more children. In my fifty-plus years in the computer software business, this has been the most rewarding work I have ever done.”
Chris also received the Ontario Senior Achievement Award (2023) and the Volunteer Waterloo Region Impact Award (2017) for his volunteer work with Strong Start. Capacity Canada created the Chris Howlett award in 2021 for his contributions to charities, providing technical advice and solutions to allow for greater impact.
Strong Start’s staff, volunteers, and supporters join in celebrating this milestone. Chris’ award highlights the collective impact of individuals and organizations working together to create brighter futures for children. This recognition inspires us all to continue striving for a world where every child has the opportunity to read, learn, and thrive.
To learn more about the King Charles III Coronation Medal, visit www.gg.ca/coronation.
About Strong Start® Charitable Organization
Strong Start® is a registered Canadian charity (82594 8060 RR0001) that helps children learn to read. Its programs involve working with children directly in addition to providing resources for families to support the development of strong literacy skills. Strong Start works through partnerships with schools, community centres, educators, and thousands of volunteers to create lifelong readers. For 23 years, Strong Start has been helping children and families across Ontario with the flagship program, Letters, Sounds and Words™. In 2024, Strong Start celebrated helping over 60,000 children learn to read.