Book drive a big success

MONTECASINO: PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN, RESIDENTS OF OLD-AGE HOME Montecasino celebrates International Literacy Day in grand style.

Books galore were handed over to delighted children in Diepsloot and residents of an oldage home in Fourways on September 27 following a successful book drive held at Montecasino, in partnership with Fourways Review.

The drive celebrated International Literacy Day on September 8 and all visitors to the casino were invited to participate by bringing a book to share the love of reading with young and old in the community.

Says Mike Page, GM of Montecasino: “The response to our drive was overwhelming and our thanks goes to everyone who came to Montecasino and dropped books into our collection boxes.

“Books are vital for development, learning and entertainment in the young and old, but unfortunately, in South Africa, statistics state that of the country’s more than 15 million households, only about 50% have any books for leisure reading.

“The joy of reading should be available to all – and our book drive was an effort to make a difference in our area.”

The handover at the old-age home saw a team from the casino and Fourways Review spending time with the residents, with tea, treats and games, leaving them with lasting memories and new reading material.

In Diepsloot, the handover of 150 children’s books from the collection and 300 puzzles from Caxton’s People Magazine took place at Muzomuhle Primary School.

Primary beneficiaries were Grade 1 classes in the school and children of the Holiness Day Care ECD Centre.

The handover team from the casino and Fourways Review read to the children, shared book stories with them and treated them to snacks and refreshments.