Helping readers of tomorrow
Generous Islanders donate $16,933.67 to annual Raise-a-Reader campaign
Stacey Newell of Montague knows first-hand the benefits that come out of literacy programs.
Newell’s oldest son, Connor Newell, struggled immensely when it came to reading when he was a child.
She enrolled Connor in several literacy programs, which helped him gain a better understanding of the English language and fostered his love of reading.
On Wednesday, Newell proudly wore an orange T-shirt for the Postmedia Raise-aReader campaign. The annual event is a cross-Canada initiative that raises money for literacy programs.
Newell, along with several other volunteers, stood outside the Tim Hortons drive-thru in Montague asking for donations for the campaign.
“Everybody was saying, ‘Yes, of course I will contribute to that,’” she said.
The Guardian and Journal Pioneer spearheaded the program on P.E.I. The $16,933.67 raised on Wednesday will stay on the Island and support local literacy programs.
Hundreds of Islanders volunteered, accepting donations in return for a newspaper at various locations across the province.
Wayne Thibodeau, regional managing editor for TC Media in Prince Edward Island and the co-ordinator for Raise-aReader 2016, says he’s once again blown away by the generosity of Islanders.
“It is remarkable that in a little more than two hours, standing on a street corner accepting donations of nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies and toonies – and the occasional $20 bill – we’re able to raise just under $17,000,” said Thibodeau.
The P.E.I. Literacy Alliance is one of literacy organizations that receive funding from the campaign. The money helps with the summer tutoring program for kids.
Amanda Beasley, acting executive director of P.E.I. Literacy Alliance, said the support helps them tremendously – not just financially, but also in raising awareness for the need of literacy programs on P.E.I.
“I think that is a really key part to the Raise-a-Reader event,” said Beasley. “It gives people a chance in the literacy and the learning community to connect with each other and do something meaningful.”
Beasley said she loves participating in this annual campaign.
“A little spare change makes a big difference.”
Another volunteer on Wednesday was Beth Johnston, who works in communications with the provincial government.
Johnston has been volunteering with Raise-a-Reader for a number of years and stood outside the public administration building in Charlottetown near
“It gives people a chance in the literacy and the learning community to connect with each other and do something meaningful.”
Amanda Beasley, acting executive director of P.E.I. Literacy Alliance.
Victoria Park.
“I’ve noticed a big difference in the reaction publicly. People know about it now and are giving a lot more.”
Johnston said she supports this campaign because literacy is a societal issue.
“If we don’t have good literacy, then it can lead to a lot of other problems for people in society.”
Johnston was brought up reading and it helped develop her imagination, comprehension, literacy and vocabulary.
“When you read you become someone else or you are put in a situation where you might never be in your own life, so it’s really important for kids to help them succeed academically, but also just in life.”
Johnston notes in higher levels of literacy, it helps a person think more critically and allows them to have more in-depth observations about the world.