CALGARY, AB, May 9 /CNW/ - Calgary Reads is excited to announce their fifth annual book sale which will raise much-needed funds for early literacy support in Calgary. You can support the book sale in three ways - by volunteering, donating books and shopping for bargains at the sale!
Starting May 7 through May 23, book donations can be dropped off at CBC Radio-Canada, located at 1724 Westmount Blvd. NW, from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
The book sale will be held on Saturday, May 26, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and Sunday, May 27, 2007, from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Triwood Arena, 2244 Chicoutimi Drive, N.W. (one block west of 19th Street at Northmount Drive NW).
Calgary Reads is an early intervention literacy initiative with a strong emphasis on Calgary's high needs schools. Their mission is to improve the confidence and ability of young readers so they become successful, contributing adult members of our community. Their reading program addresses the surprising statistic that 35% of working age Albertans do not have sufficient literacy skills to work successfully in our knowledge-based economy and 25% of our young people do not complete high school due in part to literacy difficulties according to Stats Canada. Calgary Reads is a solution to this prominent social challenge.
Currently, 600 struggling readers in Grades 1 and 2 are paired with 400+ trained adult volunteers in 65 schools for twice-weekly, one-on-one tutoring in a structured, nurturing and supportive learning environment within the child's school. As a result, on average, the children who participate in the program increase their reading ability by a whole school year level, which often puts them back on track with their peers and regular class room activities. As one Calgary Reads program graduates proudly exclaims, "I use to need help all the time. I can now read by myself. Thank you Calgary Reads."
To make a difference in a child's life donate a book or volunteer today.
Interested volunteers or book donators can call Calgary Reads at 777-8254 or visit our website at www.calgaryreads.com for more information.
For further information: MEDIA CONTACT: Michele Dauphinee, Phone: (403) 220-9237, Cell: (403) 880-5527, michele.dauphinee@shaw.ca; Christopher Dore, Cell: (403) 978-2374, chrisdore@gmail.com
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