Maggie Schell

From regular attendee, to volunteer, to Board member, Maggie Schell’s history with the Festival is a testament to her passion and dedication. “It seemed magical to me,” says Maggie, recalling her first Festival in 1997. “It’s a transformational experience. Every time I went to the Festival, I felt that my mind was opened in a different way. It’s a huge gift.” In 2019, Maggie made a gift of her own and established the Schell Family Endowment in honour of her mother, Anne. “I wanted to honour her because she was a big part of instilling a love of literature in me,” says Maggie. “I thought it was a good marriage of my love of my mum and of the Festival.”  Being behind the scenes as a Board member has been a meaningful experience for Maggie.  “There’s constant learning about what it means to be involved in a community organization. It’s a lot of work and it takes a certain passion to keep going with it.” Maggie’s passion for reading, writing, and for the Festival itself, hasn’t wavered and she remains committed to ensuring the Festival’s future. “I really want to be part of making sure the Festival continues,” she says, “and that it remains a vibrant, positive experience for everyone.”