Literacy Council launches reading campaign
Role models promote reading
Literacy touches everything in our daily lives. Reading, writing, manipulating numbers, problem solving, using computers, thinking critically--all of these skills are part of being literate in todays world. Studies show that when children learn to love reading at a young age, their chances of becoming literate, well-adjusted adults are much higher. Thats the reason behind a new campaign, called Heroes Read, which is being sponsored by the Powell River Literacy Council and First Credit Union.
"This campaign will feature men and women who are role models in the community--but not necessarily those whom kids immediately associate with reading," explains Literacy Outreach Coordinator Emma Larocque. "The idea is to make kids--especially those who are struggling to learn to read--think about the fact that no matter what you do in life, literacy is important."
The campaign will run for 10 months. Each month a new poster, featuring a different local reading hero, will be published and distributed. In addition, the reading hero will visit a school, or other child-friendly location, and talk to kids about reading, and how it is important in their work. Deputy Fire Chief Tom Ellis is the reading hero who will kick-off the campaign in May.
"Literacy is so important," Ellis says. "If a person cant read and write, theyre not going to go far in life." But according to Literacy BC, "around 40% of adults in BC--and over 35% of working age people--do not have the literacy skills they need to achieve their goals, to function and thrive in the modern economy, and to develop their knowledge and potential."
In his work, Ellis uses his literacy skills in many ways. "I do a lot of research, and I have to write reports. A lot of the fires that happen are a result of a product that has been re-called," he explains. "So when a fire occurs, I have to look into those re-calls and see if there is a connection." If people fill out the warranty cards for products they buy, they are notified of re-calls, and that has the potential to lower the risk of fire. "This shows how literacy is directly related to safety," Ellis says.
Ellis and his wife make a daily practice of reading to their four grandchildren. "We love reading together," he says. "One of the best things is the questions, curiosity and conversation that it promotes." Ellis will be reading one of his favourite kids' books, No Dragons for Tea, a book about fire safety, to an early intervention reading group at Grief Point School.
First Credit Union has a history of advocating for early reading, and they are proud to be involved in the campaign. "The importance of early literacy is something First Credit Union has recognized and supported for many years," says marketing coordinator Tara Chernoff. "Reading is only one part of literacy--but its a very important part. The Heroes Read campaign is an exciting, fresh new way to bring attention to that issue."
Reading heroes to watch for in coming months include sports leaders, a helicopter pilot, a gardener, a heavy machinery operator, and others. Look for the posters at the Powell River Recreation Complex, First Credit Union, Powell River schools--and in every literacy-supporting business or organization in town! If you would like a poster to display in your place of business, please contact Emma at 604 485-2004. For more information about the Heroes Read campaign, visit www.powellriverliteracy.ca or www.firstcu.ca.
