Latest news with #GWL


Scotsman
a day ago
- General
- Scotsman
Glasgow Library becomes first in Scotland to receive prestigious award
The city library is the first in Scotland to win a special award. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Glasgow Women's Library in Bridgeton has been officially named a Library of Sanctuary, joining just 30 others in the UK. The news was shared during Refugee Festival Scotland, which is happening until June 22. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The award celebrates GWL's long-time effort to be a safe, welcoming, and supportive place for all women, especially those who have had to seek safety or refuge. Glasgow Library Volunteer Zahra Adam, GWL volunteer, said: 'GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. It is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow.' The library helps people through its literacy project, especially the Conversation Café — a warm, friendly group for women who are learning to speak English. Kimaya Kapoor, one of India's well-known influencers, said she thinks it's wonderful that Glasgow Women's Library is now a Library of Sanctuary. It really shows they care about making everyone feel safe and welcome, especially women who've faced hard times. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The library also holds bilingual events, like Urdu Poetry Story Cafés, and celebrates the role migrant communities have played in shaping Glasgow's history, culture, and community — such as through the She Settles in the Shields project. The title was given by City of Sanctuary UK, a national group that brings together organizations like councils, schools, theatres, and universities to welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum. Wendy Kirk, GWL librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome across the UK. 'This is needed now more than ever. Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Adele Patrick, GWL co-director, said: 'Gaining Sanctuary status is an absolute honor for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. 'We know that libraries are amongst the few special places that people trust. Currently, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbors is even more crucial.' I love that this library is more than just books — it's a place where women from all backgrounds can connect, feel safe, and be heard. Getting this award proves how important their work is, Kimaya Kapoor said. Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: 'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. 'Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'


Glasgow Times
a day ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow library first in Scotland to achieve top honour
Glasgow Women's Library in Bridgeton has been officially recognised as a Library of Sanctuary, one of only 30 in the UK. The announcement was made during Refugee Festival Scotland, which runs until June 22. The award recognises GWL's long-standing commitment to being a 'safe, inclusive and empowering space' for women from all walks of life, especially those who have lived experience of seeking sanctuary. Volunteer Zahra Adam (Image: Glasgow Women's Library) Zahra Adam, GWL volunteer, said: "GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. It is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow." The library supports people through its literacy project, notably the Conversation Café, a welcoming, friendly and supportive group for women who are new to speaking English. It also hosts bilingual events, such as Urdu Poetry Story Cafés; and celebrates the contributions of migrant communities to Glasgow's history, culture and community life, for example through the She Settles in the Shields project. The title was awarded by City of Sanctuary UK, a nationally coordinated network of organisations and services including councils, schools, theatres and universities that welcome and support refugees and people seeking asylum. (Image: Glasgow Women's Library) Wendy Kirk, GWL librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome all across the UK. 'This is needed now more than ever. Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced.' Adele Patrick, GWL co-director, said: ''Gaining Library of Sanctuary status is an absolute honour for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. 'We know that libraries are amongst the special few places that people trust. At this time, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbours is all the more crucial.' Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: 'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. 'Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'


The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow Women's Library earns UK sanctuary award
The announcement is being made during Refugee Festival Scotland, which celebrates the diversity and cultural richness in Scotland's communities by providing people from refugee backgrounds with a platform to showcase their creativity. As well as inclusive programming, language support and creative workshops, Glasgow Women's Library has also supported people through a literacy project which includes the Conversation Café to provide support for women who are new to speaking English. The title was awarded by the City of Sanctuary UK and is the first in Scotland to be recognised despite there being 30 others across the UK. Read More Wendy Kirk, GWL Librarian, said: 'We are beyond thrilled to become part of the Library of Sanctuary network, and the wider City of Sanctuary network, which is building a movement of welcome all across the UK. This is needed now more than ever. 'Libraries are much-loved community anchors, and are perfectly placed to be spaces of welcome, hope and connection for people who have been forcibly displaced. We hope that our commitment to being a welcoming space for people seeking sanctuary will be even more visible now that we have received our award. I look forward to more libraries in Scotland joining this vital network of solidarity, inclusivity and compassion.' Zahra Adams, GWL volunteer with lived experience of seeking sanctuary said: "When I first joined Glasgow Women's Library in 2022, I didn't feel confident because all the people were new to me. But realised everyone was so kind and welcoming, I quickly felt at ease. 'GWL helped me improve my English, make new friends, and learn about other cultures. Volunteering in the garden and craft sessions gave me confidence, teamwork skills, and a voice as well as communication skills. GWL is a safe and supportive space where I feel valued and able to grow." Adele Patrick, GWL Co-Director, said: 'Gaining Library of Sanctuary status is an absolute honour for the team at Glasgow Women's Library. We know that libraries are amongst the special few places that people trust. 'At this time, when so many are experiencing the world as threatening, hostile and violent, ensuring our libraries are indeed safe harbours is all the more crucial. Glasgow Women's Library strives to be a place where people seeking sanctuary — in whatever form — find a place that actively welcomes them over the threshold, that reaches out to them in their neighbourhood or online. Our library offers a non-judgemental, kind space, connections and resources that can bring joy, laughter and friendships; a sanctuary filled with information, learning opportunities and support that help equip people to live their lives, express and be themselves.' Syma Ahmed, Development Worker at GWL said: It's an absolute honour to receive the Library of Sanctuary award. We deeply value our role in providing a safe, inclusive space where women from every walk of life truly feel seen, heard, and respected. 'Through our projects, we continue to build bridges of understanding, celebrate diverse cultures, and ensure that every woman who walks through our doors feels a sense of belonging. Being designated a Library of Sanctuary affirms our role not just as a library, but as a sanctuary - supporting women in their pursuit of learning, connection, and empowerment.'


Cision Canada
02-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Loblaw Companies Limited Announces Normal Course Issuer Bid Français
BRAMPTON, ON, May 2, 2025 /CNW/ - (TSX: L) – Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) announced today that the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) has accepted a notice filed by Loblaw of its intention to make a normal course issuer bid (NCIB). The TSX notice provides that Loblaw may, during the 12-month period commencing May 6, 2025 and terminating May 5, 2026, purchase up to 14,950,061 of Loblaw's common shares (Common Shares), representing approximately 5% of the issued and outstanding Common Shares, by way of a NCIB on the TSX or through alternative trading systems or by such other means as may be permitted by the TSX or under applicable law. As of April 22, 2025, Loblaw had 299,001,231 outstanding Common Shares. Based on the average daily trading volume of 362,601 during the last six months, daily purchases will be limited to 90,650 Common Shares, other than block purchase exceptions and purchases from George Weston Limited (GWL), Loblaw's majority shareholder. Loblaw will be permitted to purchase its Common Shares from GWL in accordance with an exemption granted by the TSX pursuant to its rules, regulations and policies in connection with the NCIB in order for GWL to maintain its proportionate percentage ownership, which is consistent with the exemption granted by the TSX each year since 2020. The maximum number of Common Shares that may be purchased pursuant to the NCIB will be reduced by the number of Common Shares purchased by Loblaw from GWL. Purchases of Common Shares will be made in open market transactions on the TSX or through alternative trading systems. In addition, Loblaw may enter into forward purchase or swap contracts in connection with Common Shares which may be settled by physical settlement, cash settlement or a combination thereof. The forward price will be based on market price, dividend yield and market interest rates. Loblaw may also purchase Common Shares through private agreements or share repurchase programs if it receives an issuer bid exemption order permitting it to make such purchases. Any purchases of Common Shares made by way of private agreements or under share repurchase programs may be at a discount to the prevailing market price as provided in the relevant issuer bid exemption order. Purchases from GWL will be made during the TSX's Special Trading Session pursuant to an automatic disposition plan agreement between Loblaw's broker, Loblaw and GWL (ADP Agreement). Purchases from GWL will be made on trading days, as required by the ADP Agreement, that Loblaw makes a purchase from other shareholders. In the event that GWL does not sell Common Shares on any trading day as required by the terms of the ADP Agreement (other than as a result of a market disruption event), the TSX exemption will cease to apply and Loblaw will not be permitted to make any further purchases from GWL under the terms of the NCIB. Decisions regarding the timing of future purchases of Common Shares will be based on market conditions, share price and other factors. Loblaw may elect to suspend or discontinue its NCIB at any time. Common Shares purchased under the NCIB will be cancelled or used in connection with the settlement of restricted share units or performance share units. Loblaw believes that the market price of Common Shares could be such that their purchase may be an attractive and appropriate use of corporate funds. Loblaw may also use its NCIB to acquire the number of Common Shares that are issued pursuant to the exercise of options in order to offset the dilutive effect of options that have been exercised. Under its prior NCIB that commenced on May 6, 2024 and expires on May 5, 2025, Loblaw had sought and received approval from the TSX to purchase up to 15,336,875 Common Shares. As of April 30, 2025, Loblaw has purchased 9,540,756 Common Shares under its prior NCIB through open market purchases on the TSX and exempt private agreement purchases, at a weighted average price of $176.23. On or about May 6, 2025, Loblaw intends to enter into an automatic share purchase plan ("ASPP") with a broker in order to facilitate repurchases of Loblaw's Common Shares under its NCIB. During the effective period of Loblaw's ASPP, Loblaw's broker may purchase Common Shares at times when Loblaw would not be active in the market due to insider trading rules and its own internal trading blackout periods. Purchases will be made by Loblaw's broker based upon parameters set by Loblaw when it is not in possession of any material non-public information about itself and its securities, and in accordance with the terms of the ASPP. The ASPP will be adopted in accordance with the requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws. About Loblaw Companies Limited Loblaw is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, and the nation's largest retailer. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,500 corporate franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees and Associate-owners employ more than 220,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers. Loblaw's purpose – Live Life Well ® – puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the company's stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,100 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at nearly 1,400 Shoppers Drug Mart ® and Pharmaprix ® locations and in close to 500 grocery stores; PC Financial ® services; Joe Fresh ® fashion and family apparel; and four of Canada's top-consumer brands in Life Brand ®, Farmer's Market™, no name ® and President's Choice ®. For more information, visit Loblaw's website at and Loblaw's issuer profile at