First Book Canada and Decoda Literacy Solutions Join Forces to Distribute Brand-New Books
MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Jan. 30 -- First Book Canada, working with Decoda Literacy Solutions, is distributing 45,000 books to children from low-income families across the region this week. Over 50 local teachers and program leaders across British Columbia will be picking up books for their programs.
The books were donated by Owlkids Books, Raincoast Books and Orca Books, all Canadian publishers working with First Book Canada.
"A big part of the Owlkids mandate is to have our books and magazines enjoyed by as many Canadian children as possible," said Jennifer Canham, Group Publisher, Owlkids Books. "We dream that children's lives can be full of happiness. And we know giving the gift of reading will fulfill our dream. We value partners like First Book Canada who help us do just that."
First Book Canada receives new books from publishers, and makes those books available to programs serving children from low-income families at regular book distributions around the country. This will be First Book Canada's first visit to British Columbia.
"From a child's first book, the seeds of literacy and the love of reading are nourished," says Brenda Le Clair, chief executive officer of Decoda Literacy Solutions. "Because of our strong network of literacy organizations and community literacy tasks groups within BC, over 50 literacy groups are taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to put 45,000 new books into the hands of children who rarely, if ever, get a brand-new book of their own. Thank you to First Book Canada and to all of the publishers who made this possible."
"Instilling the love of reading amongst disadvantaged youth in British Columbia is going to take committed partners, time, money and a long-term vision," said John Sawyer, CEO of Raincoast Books. "Raincoast is very pleased to be working with our partners in the First Book Canada distribution project as this is exactly the kind of work that can make a real difference."
"Orca Book Publishers is delighted to be able to donate books to First Book Canada as part of their first ever BC book distribution," said Melanie Jeffs, Orca Book Publishers. "This donation, (with a retail value of more than $70,000) will go to groups that support literacy, one of the most important skills we can give our children."
