KAMSACK - Now in its 12th year supporting children's literacy, Indigo, Chapters and Coles stores will unite with communities across Canada to fundraise for 153 high-needs elementary school libraries, with 100 per cent of funds donated directly to the schools.
In a press release, Indigo Books & Music Inc. stated, “We are very excited to share that Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex in Kamsack will be participating in the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation’s Adopt a School program this fall, which runs from September 13 to October 3! This initiative connects Coles in Truro Mall with Chief Gabriel Cote Education Complex and the Coles neighbouring community to help provide support for valuable library resources. As the pandemic continues to impact the way students access reading materials, the Adopt a School program is continuing in its endeavour to upgrade library collections with updated and diverse learning materials, further enhancing their education and literacy skills.”
This year, 153 Canadian high-needs elementary schools across the country have been “adopted” by an Indigo, Chapters and Coles store who will fundraise on their behalf. Those who wish to support can do so by making a donation in-store or through the online Adopt a School fundraiser website. Whether supporting in-store or online, 100 per cent of the funds raised through kiosk donations or the online fundraising pages for each school will be donated to participating high-needs schools. As these schools and their students continue to navigate through the complexities of education during the pandemic, support is more essential than ever, and the opportunity to enrich the lives of students through their school libraries has never been greater.
The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation strongly believes that providing access to the right book at the right time can significantly change a child’s life, propelling them toward success in education, and in life.
After a challenging 2020-2021 academic year, the Adopt a School program is more important than ever to ensure that libraries across the country are equipped to support students with learning. With students returning to school this fall, it's vital for school libraries to have adequate resources to inspire a love of reading and life-long literacy skills. It is also important to ensure schools have access to quality and diverse books that offer a deeper understanding of their peers and communities as well as connecting children with books that reflect their own cultures.
"This past year has been exceptionally difficult for students and educators across the country. In schools where new books and educational resources are already limited during the pandemic, remote learning and school closures created even greater barriers for student literacy," said Rose Lipton, Executive Director of the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation. "Many people don't realize that schools in socio-economically disadvantaged communities across Canada have limited library budgets, leaving vulnerable students with inadequate stacks filled with outdated and tattered books. It's important that we invest in school libraries across Canada where every child has access to books and the opportunity to fall in love with reading."
To learn more about the Foundation, check out the website www.indigoloveofreading.org/.
