"Spark the Love of Reading" project delivers 540 books for Sherwood
Elementary

Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers launch new education initiative in Prince Edward Island

CHARLOTTETOWN, Nov. 6 /CNW/ - Students at Sherwood Elementary School will be the first in Prince Edward Island to receive new books under the Bell Aliant Pioneer education pilot project, "Spark the Love of Reading".

The "Spark the Love of Reading" project focuses on collecting new or gently used books for students so they can start a personalized book library at home at the student's reading level. The Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers are piloting the project in Charlottetown and have selected the 540 students from Sherwood Elementary School to be recipients of the books.

Premier Robert Ghiz joined the children at a reading session at Sherwood Elementary, "It is important that our youth receive education resources that support their ongoing literacy development," said Premier Ghiz. "The Province recognizes the great work of the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers in bringing this exciting new initiative to Prince Edward Island helping us build the next generation of leaders for our province."

Bruce Howatt, Vice President Prince Edward Island, Bell Aliant commented, "The Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers continue to focus on education projects to help support the many literacy needs of communities across Prince Edward Island and throughout the Atlantic Region," he said. "Today's launch will provide each student at Sherwood Elementary School with a new resource - another positive step in each child's learning development starting with their local school and then bringing it to their homes."

Books are currently being collected through the generous donations made by Bell Aliant employees and retirees in Prince Edward Island and with the support of two book companies. Local book store Bookmark, and First Books Canada out of Toronto are donating to this worthwhile literacy project.

The Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers have a strong focus on education and technology and other current projects include Computers for Schools, Power Up to Read and I Like Me. To learn more about the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteer organization visit their website at bellaliantpioneers.com

About the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers

The Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers is the largest corporate based volunteer organization in Atlantic Canada. The close to 9,000 members is comprised of current and former Bell Aliant employees and its predecessor companies. The Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers' focus on education and technology related projects within their communities.

Over the past nine decades, the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers, along with their families, have assisted a wide variety of community service efforts. These energetic and innovative volunteers often offer their support at a moment's notice. In the past year alone, the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers donated over $200,000 dollars and made a difference by giving close to 160,000 volunteer hours to community efforts.

The work of the Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers contributes to Bell Aliant's overall community investment project.

The Bell Aliant Pioneer Volunteers are part of TelecomPioneers, the largest industry-based volunteer organization in the world. The TelecomPioneers boast nearly 620,000 men and women throughout Canada and the United States who work together to make their communities better places in which to live and work.

About Bell Aliant

Bell Aliant (TSX: BA.UN) is one of North America's largest regional communications providers and the first company in Canada to cover an entire city with fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) technology with its FibreOP(TM) services. Through its operating entities it serves customers in six Canadian provinces with innovative information, communication and technology services including voice, data, Internet, video and value-added business solutions. Through its xwave offices, Bell Aliant also provides IT professional services and advanced technology solutions. Bell Aliant's employees deliver the highest quality of customer service, choice and convenience.

For further information: Candace Salkey, Manager, Bell Aliant Pioneers, Tel: [phone], Email: [email protected]