EAST PRESTON: Due to the unprecedented school closures associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, many children in high-needs communities have been left without access to learning resources and books, as many students from disadvantaged backgrounds rely on schools and support programs for basic necessities.
The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation recognized this need and in April launched the Love of Reading Community Response Fund with a commitment of $1 million in grants to put books in the hands of kids during this time when they need it most. The grants have been awarded to local non-profit organizations that serve children and their families in high-needs communities to purchase books and educational resources.
The East Preston Daycare Centre and Family Resource Centre wanted a way to reach out to more children in and around their community of East Preston, an expansive Black Nova Scotian community located in eastern Halifax Regional Municipality. A staff member decided to read books via social media, which allowed the children to stay connected to each other and the staff this way.
The fund were used to distribute books to children and their families in their community. When the children and their families started to receive the gift of a book, they were very much overjoyed and excited that they received such a gift. These funds have helped support a positive impact on their community as it has promoted a love of reading, and has continued to share positive thoughts and stories.
To continue these impacts, Indigo pledged recently pledged to donate 1% of the annual net proceeds from the sale of every children’s book purchased to the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.
Now, when Canadians purchase children’s books at any Indigo, Chapters, Coles or on Indigo.ca, they are also helping to provide books to children in need across the country. This initiative will enable the Foundation to continue offering supports like the Community Response Fund to children in high-needs communities across Canada.
