First Book Canada Distributes Half a Million Books in Ontario in 2018

TORONTO, Ontario (December 18, 2018) – At the Ontario Public Service Holiday Gift Drive, First Book Canada and members of the Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services donated 5,000 books to children in need. The books were generously donated by First Book Canada’s publishing partner Penguin Random House Canada and they will be distributed to the children through the Ontario Association of Children’s Aid Societies. This year, First Book Canada has distributed over 500,000 books to children and youth in need in the province of Ontario alone.  

“At Penguin Random House Canada, we believe in the transformational power of reading,” said Kristin Cochrane, CEO. “Through our work with First Book Canada and their many incredible community partners, we are proud to provide thousands of books annually to readers who may otherwise not be able to access them on their own, particularly around the holiday season.” 

“Critical Path has partnered with First Book Canada for many years, storing and shipping books and educational material nationally. We are strong believers in the infinite benefits that reading provides to children and their expanding minds,” said Chris Anningson, Logistics and Operations Manager at Critical Path. “The magic of reading reaches hearts and minds with the help of all partners and we are proud to be one.” 

“This holiday season can be challenging for the thousands of children and their families living in high-need communities within Ontario,” said Tom Best, Executive Director of First Book Canada. “Through the Ontario Public Service Holiday Gift Drive, these families are receiving some holiday joy in the form of brand new books to read together.” 

About First Book Canada

By making new, high quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis, First Book Canada is transforming the lives of children and elevating the quality of education in the country. Since 2009, First Book Canada has distributed over 7 million new books to hundreds of thousands of children in need across Canada. For more information, or to register for books, visit us at firstbookcanada.org and follow our latest news on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. 

Media Contact:

Calyssa Erb, Communications Coordinator, First Book Canada
cerb@firstbook.org
866.732.3669 ext. 4383 

###