Raise-a-Reader Funds support BC Family Literacy Programs

This fall, Literacy BC disbursed its share of funds collected from last year’s Raise-a-Reader campaign to more than 60 family literacy programs in BC. The success of the 2007 campaign means we will continue to be able to provide financial support to an increasing number of B.C. family literacy programs and services.

Since its inception in Vancouver in 1997, the Raise-a-Reader campaign and its sponsors have made significant contributions to help improve literacy for children and families across the province. The B.C. government has been matching funds raised through the campaign since 2004. The matching funding this year will help to support more than 180 beneficiary organizations and help BC continue to lead the country in Raise-a-Reader fundraising.

Hockey and Literacy - September 27, 29, 30

National Hockey League coach Jacques Demers, who achieved a successful career as one of the most influential coaches, general managers and TV commentators, despite very low literacy skills, visited BC this fall to share his inspiring story and raise funds for family literacy. See www.2010legaciesnow.com/jacques_demers/ and www.2010legaciesnow.com/413/

2010 Legacies Now, in partnership with the BC Ministry of Education, brought Mr. Demers to three B.C. communities - Vancouver on September 27, Prince George on September 29 and Nanaimo on September 30. The tour benefited the CanWest Raise-a-Reader campaign, a program supported by The Vancouver Sun, The Prince George Citizen and the Nanaimo Daily News. Literacy BC Executive Director Cynthia Whitaker attended the September 27 event at St. Andrew's-Wesley United Church in Vancouver.