Since September 1, communities across B.C. have been celebrating literacy. Mayors and councils have proclaimed September as Literacy Month, and, on September 8, landmarks across the province will shine purple for International Literacy Day. I invite you to #PutOnYourPurple and join us.

This year we’ve added something new: Give a Book. Give Literacy. During September, people across B.C. are donating new or gently used books to literacy groups, shelters and neighbourhood houses. Each donation puts books into more hands. Visit our campaign website to see which groups need them most.

This issue of The Decoder features two impact stories. The first highlights the Decoda Literacy Library, a specialized collection designed for literacy practitioners and learners across B.C. Anyone can borrow books and resources for free. Each loan supports literacy learning by building skills, confidence and community. You can help the library grow by giving a book from our wish lists or by donating.

The second story focuses on Fostering Literacy. Working in partnership with schools, this program pairs tutors with children who struggle with reading, many in government care. The money raised during Literacy Month will help support more than 580 children in 23 communities. Your gift ensures these children get the help they need to succeed.

We are grateful to all our Literacy Month partners and in-kind donors. Thank you to Blue Sky Clothing for once again donating $1 from every pair of Socks for literacy! For over a decade, their generosity has provided more than $90,000 to support community literacy programs across B.C.

Don’t forget to join us on September 24 at Donnellan’s Irish Pub for our live Team Trivia Challenge, co-hosted by CBC’s Dan Burritt. It’s always an evening of fun and friendly competition—register your team today. A special thank you to Megan Sutherland of BMO Nesbitt Burns, our Literacy Month Champion Partner, who will match the top team’s fundraising dollar for dollar, up to $2,000!

We’re proud to recognize CBC as the exclusive broadcast media partner of Literacy Month. Watch for Decoda on digital, radio, TV PSAs—and even on the nightly weather report. Altogether, this campaign will reach more than 1.4 million impressions, raising awareness across the province.

Whether you give a book, make a donation, buy socks or cheer on a trivia team, your actions create a ripple effect that strengthens literacy across B.C.

Thank you for putting on your purple!

Sandra Lee
Executive Director