The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy is joining forces with the Nelson Star for the second annual Reach-A-Reader campaign next month.
On October 10, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy members, Nelson Star staff and other community members will be fanned out throughout the community asking residents to purchase the Wednesday paper. When they do, all funds go to supporting literacy programs in the community.
“The Reach-A-Reader campaign is an important way for us to promote our region-wide commitment to building literacy skills and healthy learning communities,” said Ali Wassing, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy’s executive director.
“This joint campaign demonstrates Black Press’s [the Star’s parent company] dedication to building literacy skills in the communities it serves and helping the Alliance stretch its reach. Reading is at the heart of Alliance’s drive to help citizens improve literacy skills, engage in life-long learning and increase their confidence to get involved in the community.”
“We have 16 coordinators delivering services in 77 communities,” said Desneiges Profili, Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy’s regional program manager in the West Kootenay and Boundary. “Their work with children, adults, families and seniors to build reading, writing, numeracy, computer and workplace skills is in demand. Fundraisers, such as our Reach-A-Reader campaign, help support communities to meet this increasing need.”
The Alliance is working hard to expand services to meet growing and changing needs in communities across the region.
In addition to regional funding received from Columbia Basin Trust, Selkirk College, College of the Rockies and the Province of British Columbia, local partnerships and fundraising campaigns are critical to developing more community-led programs targeting local needs. The Reach-A-Reader campaign demonstrates this shared commitment.
“We partner with businesses, community organizations, libraries, schools and colleges to help meet demand for our services,” said Betty Knight, regional program manager for the East Kootenay. “Getting the communities involved in supporting us through the partnership with Black Press and the Reach-A-Reader campaign takes our message to the heart of the communities we serve.”
Over the last 10 years, the Alliance has delivered an average of 230 programs to 7,000 participants each year. Positive feedback, living examples of the benefits and community response has been very supportive. Participants can choose from a variety of programs such as: Love 2 Learn, Young Parents Education Program, Cyber Seniors and English as a Second Language.
You can make a difference in your local community. Participate in the Reach-A-Reader campaign by purchasing a paper on October 10, volunteering to sell papers, or simply spreading the word as a campaign champion.
To get involved, contact Karen Bennett at the Star (advertising@nelsonstar.com), Desneiges Profili (dprofili@cbal.org) or visit cbal.org/coordinators.html.