Each year in September the Raise a Reader fund raiser for literacy in the North Thompson Valley takes place hosted by Yellowhead Community Services Literacy Program in each area.
In Barriere the fundraiser on Sept. 25 was held at AG Foods from 9:30 a.m. till 2:30 p.m. and donations are still coming into the the literacy coordinator, Jill Hayward. "This program supports youth literacy initiatives in the Barriere area, and offers a number of programs throughout the year," said Hayward.
Volunteers in both communities from a number of non-profit organizations who are passionate about literacy assist in the Raise a Reader fundraisers each year to benefit youth literacy in the North Thompson.
"All donations collected on Raise a Reader Day are matched in whole, or in part, by various national and local sponsors as well as the provincial government. All funds raised will go directly back into the community to support literacy initiatives," said Joanna Hurst of Yellowhead Community Services.
An adult spelling bee was held in Clearwater the evening of Sept. 25 at Dutch Lake Community Centre with principal Darren Coates from Clearwater Secondary School as master of ceremonies. Teams of four competed to win the coveted Team Spelling Bee Champion Trophy. Local businesses, service groups, book clubs and members of the public register teams in the event and there were door prizes and refreshments. The total raised in Clearwater was $3,149.50 with donations still coming in yet to be matched in whole or in part. This year's winning team for 2024 are the Raft River Teachers. In Barriere volunteers raised approximately $2,000 with more expected as donations continue to come in says YCS literacy coordinator Hayward.
If you are interested in making a donation towards literacy programs in the North Thompson you can contact either Barriere or Clearwater at:
Barriere: Jill Hayward Yellowhead Community Services literacy coordinator call: 250-319-8023 or you may contact the YCS literacy coordinator Joanna Hurst in Clearwater at: Joanna.h@yellowheadcs.ca or phone: 250-674-1472
Donations for Raise a Reader Day or other literacy projects in our community are accepted throughout the year. Charitable receipts are available for donations of $25 and up.
