We are in the final week of raising money for school libraries and literacy projects, with $100,000 already in the bank. Our goal is $125,000.
The work of the Times Colonist Literacy Society makes a big difference, but don’t just take it from me.
Consider the words of Holly Mair, a teacher-librarian at the South Island Distance Education School who has collected thoughts from students in the Saanich school district:
I’d like to express my gratitude to the Times Colonist for once again spearheading the grants that support literacy programs in schools as well as in various non-profit organizations on the Island.
This work is supported by a strong team comprised of Times Colonist staff members, community volunteers, local businesses and members of the public who so generously donate to this cause.
I was amazed that the grants continued through our first year of COVID that forced some significant modifications to the book drive, but I’m even more astonished that as we enter a second COVID school year, everyone is continuing to rally together to find a way to keep this good work going.
The grant money that we received last year helped students in so many ways. I was able to collect some thoughts from the students in our district who benefited from this essential fundraising drive:
“My school library has good books that help me learn new things,” said Grade 2 student Charlie, at Keating Elementary.
“I am grateful to be able to borrow books from our Kelset library. I love to read because it allows me to think bigger,” said Paisley, a Grade 4 student at Kelset Elementary.
“I love my school library because if I can find a book I love, I can read the whole series,” said Elliot, a Grade 5 student at Keating.
“You can learn so much in that space [the school library]. There is information and books everywhere and on everything,” said Mackenzie, a Grade 7 student at Bayside Middle School.
“I am thankful that my school library has books by diverse authors with diverse voices. This helps me learn more about myself and others,” said a Grade 9 student at Parkland Secondary.
“If I’m beginning a research project or just looking for my next good book, it’s nice to know that my school library has relevant, up-to-date resources,” said Lily, a Grade 11 student at South Island Distance Education School.
Once again, I am humbled by everything our community has done to support literacy. Many literacy advocates have been known to say that literacy is the greatest equalizer in society.
Thank you for everything you have done to ensure that all students in our community have access to reading material that meets them at their reading level as well as at their interest level.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s eyes light up because the library has the latest copy of a book in a popular series or the feeling you get when you can help a child “think bigger.”
Thanks to all your efforts, my colleagues and I get to do this every day.
Holly Mair
Donations to the non-profit Times Colonist Literacy Society are boosted by a contribution from the provincial government, via Decoda Literacy Solutions on behalf of the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. The more we raise, the more we get from Decoda.
Andrew Beckerman, a name well-known in Victoria’s philanthropy circles, has put up $1,000 as a challenge. He is urging others to donate $1,000 as well.
People like Andrew Beckerman and Holly Mair are committed to making this an even better place to live. You can help as well.
If you donate online at canadahelps.org/en/dn/36542, you will get an immediate tax receipt. Or you could mail a cheque to the Times Colonist Literacy Society, 201-655 Tyee Rd., Victoria, B.C. V9A 6X5.
We are planning to wrap up this year’s campaign by Thanksgiving Day, so don’t wait to donate.
We promise that in the spring, if all goes well with COVID, our massive book drive and sale will be back.
Thanks again for your support!
Dave Obee is editor andpublisher of the Times Colonist.
