Begun as a house party by a group of friends seven years ago, the Scotiabank Giller Light Bash, in support of Frontier College, has grown to be a full-scale event, thanks to a dedicated committee of volunteers. Each year, 600 people support literacy and celebrate Canadian literature at this party taking place the same night as the Scotiabank Giller Prize Gala.

Since 2002, the Scotiabank Giller Light Bash has raised more than $100,000 for Frontier College, Canada’s oldest literacy organization. Funds raised from the event support Frontier College’s literacy programs for children, youth and adults across the country.

In 2005 and 2006, CTV broadcasted live from the Scotiabank Giller Light Bash during the national broadcast of the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Both Ben Mulroney and Tanya Kim, hosts of CTV’s eTalk, have broadcast live from the event.

In 2006, the Giller Light Bash partnered with Scotiabank, renaming the event the “Scotiabank Giller Light Bash, in support of Frontier College.”

This event is not to be missed! Not only does it support a great cause, but often guests from the formal awards ceremony drop by for a post-Gala cocktail, including authors Margaret Atwood, Joseph Boyden and Giller Prize nominee Wayson Choy; CBC hosts Shelagh Rogers and Jian Ghomeshi; and singer Chantal Kreviazuk.

The past couple of years have featured great musical acts after the Scotiabank Giller Prize has been awarded. In 2005, acclaimed singer-songwriter Kathleen Edwards played an acoustic set to the delight of the crowd. In 2006, Juno award–winner Chantal Krevizuk took the stage and played a few of her best-loved songs. In 2007, Kyle Riabko was the special musical guest.

Jack Rabinovitch, founder of the Scotiabank Giller Prize, was once a Labourer-Teacher for Frontier College and continues to applaud the success of the Scotiabank Giller Light Bash.

"I am delighted to be associated with Frontier College and the Giller Light Bash. The event has proven to be a smash, and I offer my most heartfelt congratulations on its success. I strongly support the College’s pioneering efforts to bring literacy to all Canadians. I’m very proud to be a part of this initiative."