For the past four years I've had the pleasure of hosting a virtual book club on Twitter. As far back as I can remember, reading has always been a huge part of my life. I really can't imagine my childhood without books. My boys are growing up appreciating books as well. But the real truth is many children in high needs areas do not have access to reading material and this is just not acceptable.
Edelman Canada is having their annual CSR initiative known as The Little Give which is a program that aims to give back to non-profit organizations. One team is working to foster awareness and raise funds for The Children’s Book Bank. Read on to find out what we can do to help some underprivileged children experience the world of books.
TWICE UPON A TIME…
Book clubs are an increasingly popular way to enjoy stories and create memorable reading experiences. Sadly book clubs, or even books in general, are beyond the means of many.
The Children’s Book Bank is a fantastic charity that provides free books and literacy support to children in deprived areas of Toronto. It boasts Canada’s first storefront “book bank,” collecting gently used children’s books and distributing them free of charge to children who can’t afford to build their own collections. It is a truly inspiring facility and we want to support them in bringing the benefits of reading and literacy to children in deprived areas of Toronto.
How? We want to harness the good will and community spirit of Canada’s book clubs.
The charity needs two things;
1. A continuous supply of books to replenish its inventory (it goes through 10,000 books a month!).
2. A consistent source of funds to support its great work.
We want Canada’s book clubs to share their love of books and ‘pay it forward’ by committing to take part in a new book club movement.
Specifically, we want book clubs to commit to the following:
1. Coordinate book drops among members (and friends) — these can be books from their own (or their children’s) collections, or books they purchase along with each club selection, to deliver to the book bank.
2. Collect contributions from members at each meeting, or pledge monthly donation on The Children’s Book Bank website as a club ‘membership fee.’
3. Spread the word!
Please support this great initiative. The new norm; give the gift of reading with every book you read.
Watch this video to see how The Children's Book Bank helps children.
Please consider giving books to this worthwhile cause and donating to The Children's Book Bank on canadahelps.org.
Follow the @BookBankCanada on Twitter, like The Children's Book Bank on Facebook, and check out The Children's Book Bank YouTube Channel.
Relish reading,
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