Indigo's Adopt a School program returns this year, featuring two schools in Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) Westboro Elementary and SouthPointe School. Adopt a School is an annual national program that raises funds for schools across Canada to purchase much-needed books and materials for student success. Each school hopes to raise $1,000 to fill their library shelves and promote reading in their communities.
Hadley Brooks, a Grade 6 student from SouthPointe School, holding up one of her favourite books, Anne of Green Gables.
"Reading comprehension is foundational to early learning," says Colleen Holowaychuk, the Board Chair of EIPS. "Fostering a love of reading at an early age helps students develop literacy skills that support lifelong learning and success. The Adopt a School program is so beneficial for school libraries, and we are thrilled two EIPS schools are participating in the program this year."
The program, which runs until October 6, relies on community support through online donations. Both schools are set up with a free Adopt a School microsite hosted by Indigo. There, community members can donate by name or anonymously. To donate, simply visit loveofreading.org, and select either SouthPointe School or Westboro Elementary School, which will direct you to their respective donation pages. All money raised will go directly to the school to purchase new library books.
"I'm excited for our school to be part of the program and get more awesome books for us to read," says Hadley Brooks, a Grade 6 student from SouthPointe School. "Diving into a world of books and stories helps me to be imaginative and stay curious. I especially love classics like Anne of Green Gables and Matilda."
Donations can also be made in person at one of two school-partnered Indigo locations:
- Coles - Londonderry Mall: accepting for SouthPointe School; and
- Indigo - Sherwood Park: accepting for Westboro Elementary School.
In addition to receiving the donated funds, both schools also receive a 30 per cent discount off whatever is purchased with the money raised.
Adopt a School is part of Indigo's Love of Reading Foundation, which aims to give children in elementary school equal access to books to help them develop a love of reading and build their literacy skills. Since its inception in 2004, the program has helped raise $36 million in funding for approximately 3,600 schools across Canada. SouthPointe School and Westboro Elementary School represent two of 19 schools in Alberta participating in this year's program.
