ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP

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Project Status: Always Ask for Help

Janet Lee, educator, global speaker, and literacy advocate, has released her highly anticipated nonfiction book, Always Ask for Help. The book tells the remarkable true story of Arnie Stewart, a man who faced lifelong challenges with low literacy—at one point accidentally feeding his children dog food instead of beef stew because he couldn’t read the labels. Despite such hardships, Stewart overcame poverty and homelessness and ultimately became a beloved literacy advocate and public speaker.

The book follows Stewart from an impoverished childhood with 11 siblings in Cobalt, Ontario, to his transformative journey after finding a literacy center at age 45. His life took a powerful turn when he met Janet Lee, whose high school students were deeply moved by Stewart’s message. Together, they traveled to over 70 schools, handing out “Arnie cards” that read: “Always Ask for Help.” Stewart’s final words to Lee before his death from cancer in 2012 were, “Tell the kids to never be afraid and to always ask for help.”

Lee continues to honor Stewart’s legacy through the book and by producing a documentary film that sheds light on Stewart’s life and the broader literacy crisis. The film is currently in the final stages of production. An award-winning animation team has joined the project to enhance its storytelling. While filming is nearing completion, editing is still needed, with the full release projected for 2026.

Following the 2024 book launch, Lee embarked on a dynamic and far-reaching book tour. Highlights included a visiting scholar residency at Augusta University, speaking engagements for Innovative Educators, Chatham University, Barrie Entrepreneurship Group, Rotary, Kiwanis, the University of Tampa, and Countryside High School. She also held book signings at Cobalt Bookstore and three locations in Safety Harbor, Florida.

As a recognized global speaker, her presentations inspire educators to reimagine how they support struggling learners and encourage communities to address low literacy with compassion and action.

For more information on the book, documentary, or upcoming tour dates, visit www.alwaysaskforhelp.com.

Why Support This Film?

There are millions of adults and children suffering from low literacy. The thing separating them from the help they need is being ashamed to ask for help. Arnie's story told through archived recordings and film can help people have the courage to ask for help. The most effective medium for communication is film. People who have low literacy will not pick up a book or even respond to messages extending a helping hand. A documentary will inspire people who need help to reach out using Arnie's Always Ask for Help card.

The story contains inspiring words about teaching and the difference teachers make. It shows how introducing an authentic story to learners can be the catalyst for change.

Our Crew!

Sylvia Caminer (Writer-Director-Producer) is an Emmy® Award-winner with extensive credits in theatre, film and television. She directed the award-winning and critically acclaimed documentaries: Rick Springfield: An Affair of the Heart, and Tanzania: A Journey Within. She directed the thriller Follow Her, which has garnered critical acclaim.

For television, Sylvia recently won her second Emmy Award for producing the travel series Samantha Brown’s Places To Love. Sylvia also earned an Emmy Award for directing the popular Discovery/Travel Channel program Great Hotels (which she also produced and co-wrote). She earned a fourth Emmy nomination for directing Passport To Europe and produced and directed Passport To Latin America (hosted by Samantha Brown).

Sylvia has also produced various programs for TLC, WE, Lifetime and PBS. She has worked with top talent over the years including Neil Patrick Harris, Amanda Peet, Tony Danza, Ice T, Jerry Stiller, Chris Noth, and screen legends Betty White, Ben Gazzara & Rita Moreno. She is excited to direct Always Ask for Help: The Story of Arnie Stewart and share the true story of a Canadian legend.

Janet Lee (Writer - Producer) is an educator, an author and global speaker on low literacy and the changes that can be made to eliminate this epidemic. She was also Arnie Stewart's  advocate, best friend and teacher. Together, they started a literacy movement in Canada to raise awareness for adults with low literacy. The duo travelled to reach thousands of students. Since Arnie's passing in 2012, Janet Lee has continued as an educator specializing in literacy and content development. 

Her background is varied in international K-12/higher education including curriculum development publications, media literacy, and micro-learning video production. A renowned speaker for Innovative Educators, her global presentations inspire teachers to reimagine their approach to students in need of assistance. The life-changing experience working with Arnie guides her work today. Her book, Always Ask for Help was published in February 2024. 

Fund Raising Goal and Breakdown of How money will be Spent