First Book Canada provides new books to children in need and they are distributing books in British Columbia for the first time this January. Decoda Literacy Solutions is pleased to assist First Books in promoting this exciting opportunity to literacy organizations across British Columbia.
First Book Canada works through existing community programs and literacy efforts already serving children in need; to qualify to receive new books from First Book Canada, programs/schools must serve at least 70% children from low income families. For more information about qualifications, please contact Lori Walker at lwalker@decoda.ca.
When and where
First Book Canada, a registered charity that provides new books and educational resources to children from low income families, will hold its first ever free book distribution in Vancouver, British Columbia the week of January 30, 2012, distributing more than 40,000 new books generously donated by Owl Kids Books and many other publishers. The book distribution will be out of a location in Richmond, BC, and will be revealed only to groups that have registered by January 20 (register at www.firstbookcanada.org ). Groups are responsible for picking up the books they have requested.
Organizations outside of the Lower Mainland can request books, but must arrange and pay for shipping.
Quick and easy registration
Registering for First Book Canada is a quick and easy online process that takes only a few minutes. To register, visit: www.firstbookcanada.org/receive-books
After registration, you will receive an email explaining how to request books.
If you register with First Book Canada by January 20th, 2012, you will be invited to submit a request for free books from the Vancouver, British Columbia book distribution. Please be sure to look for the two parts to this process.
For more information, visit www.firstbookcanada.org for more information, or contact Wayne Cochrane, Director of Operations at wcochrane@firstbook.org.
Volunteers needed to make this event a success!
First Book Canada needs volunteers to help distribute over 20,000 new books to children in need across British Columbia out of Richmond, BC! Decoda is helping to recruit volunteers. Please help us recruit volunteers by telling anyone you think might be interested in this opportunity.
Volunteer Roles
Volunteering at a First Book Canada book distribution is a rewarding experience! Much of the help need is physical, such as lifting boxes, carrying and sorting boxes. Help is also needed with less physical tasks, such as labeling boxes and greeting book recipient groups. Volunteers also help make phone calls to book recipient groups reminding them of their scheduled pick-up times.
Dates and Times
We are looking for help on the following dates: ** times are tentative as we are waiting on access confirmation from the warehouse **
Monday, January 30th 10am – 1pm and/or 2pm – 5pm or 5pm to 7pm
Tuesday, January 31st 10am – 1pm and/or 2pm – 5pm or 5 pm to 7 pm
Wednesday, February 1st 10am – 1pm and/or 3pm – 7pm
Thursday, February 2nd 10am – 1pm and/or 2pm – 7pm
Volunteers are welcome to volunteer for full days or part of the day. We are seeking 5 – 10 volunteers each day, so please spread the word about this opportunity and feel free to bring your friends, family and co-workers! Many hands make for lighter work! Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
Please contact Melinda Johnston at Decoda Literacy Solutions (mjohnston@decoda.ca) if you are able to volunteer.
