First Book Canada launches initiative to provide thousands of care kits to families in women’s shelters
> Blog > First Book Canada launches initiative to provide thousands of care kits to families in women’s shelters Toronto, ON (November 1, 2019) – First Book Canada is pleased to launch its initiative to provide thousands of care kits to families living in women’s shelters over the summer. This project is possible through generous donations from Canaccord Genuity Corp., Penguin Random House Canada, Fruits & Passions, and The Face Shop and volunteer support from Dream Unlimited.
In July, a group of DREAM employees handpicked and packed care kits for 31 groups serving women and families living in women’s shelters across Canada. The kits include 5,000 donated books from Penguin Random House Canada and 140,000 skincare products from The Face Shop and Fruits & Passion that will help facilitate a smooth transition for families who have been living in women’s shelters across Canada. For these families, especially the children who have had to leave their homes, these care kits will serve as a housewarming gift as they transition into their new homes.
“With the generous donations of skincare and wellness products, Mamas for Mamas was able to distribute these kits at our back to school event for 100+ teens who would otherwise not be able to afford to feel their best for their first big day at school.” Megan Gullen, Marketing Officer, Mamas for Mamas in Kelowna, BC.
“First Book Canada is so thrilled to partner with Canaccord Genuity and a whole range of impressive partners on this project,” Tom Best, Executive Director of First Book Canada, said today. “These shelters accommodate women and their children when they are fleeing violence. We know a good book and skincare products can help women and their children transition to a new life.”
The thirty recipients of pallets from this program were:
| Edmonton Food Bank Annex | Alberta |
| Smithers Community Services Association | British Columbia |
| Mamas for Mamas | British Columbia |
| Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver | British Columbia |
| Aunt Leah’s Place | British Columbia |
| Literacy Alberni | British Columbia |
| Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba | Manitoba |
| Winnipeg Child & Family Services | Manitoba |
| Jewish Child & Family Service | Manitoba |
| Aurora House | Manitoba |
| Tearmann House | Nova Scotia |
| Viola’s Place | Nova Scotia |
| The Shoebox Project | Ontario |
| Na’Maat Canada | Ontario |
| The Red Door Family Shelter | Ontario |
| Anduhyaun Inc. | Ontario |
| Sistering | Ontario |
| Women’s Habitat | Ontario |
| Daily Bread Food Bank | Ontario |
| Partners in Mission Food Bank | Ontario |
| Project Share – Niagara | Ontario |
| Niagara Children’s Services | Ontario |
| Women on the Rise | Quebec |
| The Welfare Association Chainon | Quebec |
| Chez Doris | Quebec |
| Welcome Hall Mission | Quebec |
| Old Brewery Mission | Quebec |
| La Maison grise de Montréal | Quebec |
| YMCA des Femmes | Quebec |
| Sun Youth Organization | Quebec |
About First Book Canada
Almost 25% of Canadian households do not have a single book. First Book Canada is transforming the lives of kids in need by making brand new, high-quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis. Through a market-driven model, First Book Canada is creating equal access to quality education affordable to its member network of more than 12,000 educators who exclusively serve kids in need. Since 2009, First Book Canada has distributed more than 7 million books and educational resources to hundreds of thousands of kids across Canada.
Eligible educators, program coordinators, librarians, and professionals serving kids in need can register at www.fbmpcanada.org/register. For more information, visit firstbookcanda.org and follow our latest news on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Media Contact:
Tom Best, Executive Director, First Book Canada
tbest@firstbook.org
866.732.3669 ext. 0310
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