VANCOUVER, Feb. 25, 2014 /CNW/ - On February 25th, First Book Canada and TD Bank Group were at Walter Moberly Elementary School for a TD Reading Celebration with kindergarten students and preschool children from the Strong Start Centre. Ashley Spires, author and illustrator of The Most Magnificent Thing (Kids Can Press), brought with her signed copies of her new book to give to each child.
The students thoroughly enjoyed Ashley's fun and engaging presentation and were the first children in the world to receive copies of the book. Volunteers from TD were paired off with the students to read together. They also gifted the children with other donated new books to take home and keep.
"Instilling a joy of reading in young minds is why we support events like the TD Reading Celebration," said Mauro Manzi, Senior Vice President, TD Bank Group. "We are proud to support organizations that promote literacy and help introduce children to joys of reading."
High school students from nearby John Oliver Secondary School participated in the celebration by reading with the children and doing a presentation of their own. The students from John Oliver Secondary School are part of the school's remarkable community literacy initiative called "Wonder of Reading."
Pattie Plottel, principal at Walter Moberly Elementary School, was thrilled with the opportunity and recognized the importance of such an event.
"We recognize that improved reading skills will support our students in all areas of learning. The Moberly community and school are committed to doing everything we can to increase student reading fluency and comprehension. We are excited to partner with TD and First Book Canada in order to provide our neediest students with books they can read and enjoy at home."
Decoda Literacy Solutions, the BC literacy organization, was also present to talk about their impact in communities across the province and their unique partnership with First Book Canada.
"This is multiple partners coming together to support literacy for children and families in the home ‐ that is community‐based literacy and learning at its core. We could not be happier to support this initiative and we will continue to support this initiative because everyone should have a chance to learn," said Brenda Le Clair with Decoda Literacy Solutions.
First Book Canada and TD will distribute 60,000 brand‐new books this week to children in need in the Lower Mainland area as well as other communities across the country. These books were generously donated by Orca Books, Publishers Group West, Disney Worldwide Publishing and Raincoast Books.
"First Book Canada could not possibly attempt to create these sorts of reading celebrations without the remarkable support of the TD Bank Group," said Tom Best, executive director, First Book Canada. "Through our partnerships with the schools and community organizations, we can truly provide a unique opportunity to see and hear from one of Canada's bestselling authors."
About First Book Canada
First Book Canada provides books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low income families across Canada. By making new, high quality books available on an ongoing basis, First Book Canada is transforming the lives of children and elevating the quality of education in the country. In 2013, First Book Canada distributed over 750,000 new books to children in need across Canada. All funds raised in Canada go to programs serving Canadian children from low‐income families. For more information, or to sign up to get books, visit us at www.firstbookcanada.org and follow our latest news Twitter and Facebook.
About TD Community Giving
TD Bank Group invests in communities in order to effect positive change in the places where it operates and where its clients and employees live and work. In 2013, TD donated over $74 million to support community organizations in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. In Canada, TD focuses on education and financial literacy, creating opportunities for young people and the environment. For more information, please visit www.td.com/corporate-responsibility.
About Decoda Literacy
Decoda Literacy Solutions is the leading non‐profit literacy organization in British Columbia. Supporting a network of 102 community task groups, Decoda provides resources, training and funds to address community based literacy and learning priorities in over 400 communities. Decoda supports children and families, youth, adult learners, Aboriginal Peoples and immigrant communities to improve literacy and learning skills so people can reach their full potential and achieve their life goals. Visit decoda.ca Decoda is derived from the word decode, which means to create understanding; to unravel the mystery - literacy helps us make sense of the modern world.
Image with caption: "Author and illustrator Ashley Spires, along with TD Bank Group employee volunteers, read to children at Walter Moberly Elementary School in Vancouver on Tuesday. The event was to celebrate First Book Canada and TD's effort to distribute 60,000 new books free of charge to children in need in the Lower Mainland and other communities across Canada. (CNW Group/First Book Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140225_C7214_PHOTO_EN_37143.jpg
SOURCE: First Book Canada
For media inquiries, please contact:
Wayne Cochrane
First Book Canada
[email protected]
866‐393‐1222 ext. 0155
Jeff Meerman
TD Bank Group
[email protected]
604‐654‐0324
Mike Leland
Decoda Literacy Solutions
[email protected]
694‐681‐4199 ext. 405
Patti Plottel
Walter Moberly Elementary School
[email protected]
604‐713‐4784
Share this article