Across British Columbia, Literacy Month in September brought people together to celebrate the power of learning in many ways — through StoryWalks™, book giveaways, spelling bees, storytimes, trivia nights and more. From libraries to schools to community groups, the events highlighted how the ripple effect of literacy connects and strengthens communities.

It was also a time for giving back. Literacy organizations and their partners found creative ways to support literacy by collecting books for children, refurbishing computers for learners and even writing cheques to fund local programs. Their efforts show that when communities come together for literacy, the impact extends far beyond the page.

Community partners support Abbotsford book drive

Literacy Matters Abbotsford received more than 225 books in September through Decoda’s “Give a Book. Give Literacy.” book drive initiative.

“Our recent book drive was a huge success with the help of community partners,” said Literacy Outreach Coordinator Debra Varnes.

They set up a central book drop-off point at the Fraser Valley Regional Library, Clearbrook Branch. The library placed the donation bin prominently at the front desk with the “Give a Book.” poster and collected more than 100 new and gently used books.

The Abbotsford Children’s Theatre also ran their own book drive, donating more than 125 books to support literacy in the community.

“One parent thanked us for our work in Abbotsford to help improve literacy,” said Debra. “She was also pleased that her daughters finally culled the books that they no longer read to help others.”

Literacy Matters Abbotsford will share the books at year-end program celebrations, school visits, book draws and as contest prizes.

Burnaby’s DUDES Club Gives Back

Every Monday night at Burnaby Neighbourhood House, a group of men gathers to share a meal and talk. The DUDES (Dudes United in Diversity, Equity and Solidarity) Club is a peer-led Indigenous-guided group where men can connect, learn and support each other.

“We don’t call it a health literacy group,” says Lukas Park, the club’s facilitator and Literacy Outreach Coordinator. “But it’s health by stealth. They come for the food and stay for the friendship, information and resource sharing and support.”

During a September club meeting, a donor dropped off a book for Decoda’s Literacy Month Give a Book. Give Literacy. campaign. The men were curious, so Lukas explained that the Dudes Club is funded by Decoda Literacy Solutions as a health literacy project. He also talked about the importance of literacy and Literacy Month.

The next week, something amazing happened.

“Several group members came in with cheques in their hands to support health literacy,” says Lukas. “It was so unexpected, many of our members don’t have much extra money. But together, they donated $500 to Burnaby Neighbourhood House.”

Through shared meals, friendship, and learning, the DUDES Club shows that literacy isn’t just about reading, it’s about connection, kindness and community.

More refurbished devices and empowered learners on Vancouver Island

This year, as the need increased, so did community support for a computer refurbishing and digital literacy support program on Vancouver Island.

“One of the biggest trends we have seen has been the steady, if not dramatic, rise in requests for digital literacy support and for actual devices,” said Gerald Halabura, Literacy Outreach Coordinator at Literacy Central Vancouver Island (LCVI) in Nanaimo. “And we are seeing more and more people, especially seniors, wanting to learn how to distinguish AI generated content from real content.”

For nearly 30 years, LCVI has been refurbishing donated computers and smart devices to help people get connected. Requests come from seniors, newcomers, families with children in school and low-income households. Each year, the program repairs, upgrades and rehomes more than 150 devices.

This year, an August visit from the Honourable Stephanie McLean, Federal Minister of State for Seniors, drew local media attention to LCVI, Literacy Month and the importance of literacy programming like the refurbish and digital literacy programs.

It inspired a wave of community donations! By mid-September, LCVI had already provided over 225 devices from local businesses and individuals, Vancouver Island Regional Library and the City of Nanaimo.

“Every refurbished device and tutoring session helps bridge the digital divide,” said Gerald. “Together, we’re helping people stay connected and independent.”

The refurbishing program is supported by BC Lotteries’ Social & Community Impact Grants and by digital literacy workshops through the Community Adult Literacy Program (CALP).

Working together for literacy

From donated books in Abbotsford to refurbished computers in Nanaimo and generous cheques from Burnaby’s DUDES Club, British Columbians showed that literacy is a shared community value. These acts of kindness, big and small, help open doors to learning, connection and opportunity across the province. Literacy Month may be over, but its spirit of generosity and inclusion continues all year long.

You can help! Your gift will help children, families, adults and seniors develop the literacy skills they need.

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