We are a family of readers. We practically live in a library. My kids probably own two hundred books, easily. So I was shocked to discover that many Canadian children, particularly those from low income families, do not own even a single book. I cannot imagine a childhood without reading. I simply can not.
Surveys show that over 42% of Canadians are functionally illiterate and struggle with day-to-day reading tasks. I think the main way we can combat this is by getting books into the hands of kids. If children don’t have books at home, then their school library is going to be their main source for books. However Canada’s school libraries are underfunded, sadly under stocked and full of out-dated books.
Which is where the Indigo Adopt a School program comes in. The Adopt a School program aims to increase awareness of Canada’s literacy issue and to provide much needed books to schools across the country. The goal is an admirable one — one new book per child, which is more then school budgets normally allow for.
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| Tattered old books from my daughter’s school, in need of replacing. |
There are three easy ways you can take part, and the first one doesn’t cost a penny:
1) Visit adoptaschool.indigo.ca and “adopt” the school of your choice. This costs nothing, and Indigo will donate a book to the school for every 50 times they are adopted. If the local school of your choice isn’t on the list you can help to register them.
2) Make a donation on the adoptaschool.indigo.ca site. For every $12 in donations a book will be purchased.
3) Buy an Indigo e-gift card on the adoptaschool.indigo.ca site. For every $25 e-gift card that is sold Indigo will donate one book to your chosen school. The e-gift card can be redeemed at any Indigo, Chapters or Coles store and online at chapters.indigo.ca or kobo.com.
I’m excited that my daughter’s school is participating this year. I’m buying myself a gift card in to use for Christmas shopping. It’s money I would have spent anyway and this way it’s helping a great cause at the same time.
I urge you to take part. The Indigo Adopt a School program is such an amazing opportunity to help support our local schools. (And if there isn’t a school near and dear to your heart taking part, then please consider supporting my daughter’s school: McCallum Public School)
You have until October 6th to take part. Remember: Adopting a school is free! Sign up, adopt, donate, purchase gift cards, and please help spread the word to others!
Disclosure: I received compensation for this post. A gift card was purchased in my name to support the school of my choice.
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