
Between October 5th and 9th, volunteers, CBAL staff and local hockey teams set up fundraising stations on the streets, in supermarkets, and at local branches of Kootenay Savings Credit Unions across the region. Luckily, the weather held … for the most part. Even when it didn’t, spirits were high!
In Nelson, city council, police, library, and fire department members joined the Nelson Leafs and two local Rotary Clubs in support of literacy. Local literacy coordinator, Joan Exley, says “The commitment of our local volunteers is incredible. Whenever I need help, be it with Reach a Reader, Book Under Every Tree, or Books Everywhere I reach out to an amazing group of volunteers who are always willing to help out. Thanks to the help of this group of dedicated volunteers, $1575 was raised for the Learning Place, a community learning centre located in Nelson City Hall.”
The goal of the Reach a Reader campaign is to raise the profile of literacy and to highlight the important role it plays in each of our lives. While many people have the skills they need to function, approximately 40 per cent of BC adults struggle to read a newspaper, fill out a form, read a map, or understand a lease.
Could you imagine being reliant on public transportation and not being able to read a bus schedule, or being asked to use online banking when you have no idea how to use a computer? The truth is, people experience this every day.
Literacy impacts crime rates, poverty, health and wellness, employment and workplace safety. Literacy programs help participants gain the functional skills they need to be successful in their daily lives. From early literacy programs for parents and children; to after school programs, adult tutoring and English classes for newcomers to Canada; programs are available across the region.
The Reach a Reader campaign gives community members an opportunity to support these local literacy programs. If you missed your chance, donate online at https://chimp.net/campaigns/cbal-literacy-campaign.
To learn more about literacy, literacy programs, or ways to volunteer, visit cbal.org.
Desneiges Profili
Regional Program Manager
Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy