First Book Canada and Decoda Literacy Solutions Join Forces to Distribute Brand-New Books

First Book Canada, working with Decoda Literacy Solutions, is distributing 45,000 books to children from low-income families across the region this week. Over 50 local teachers and program leaders across British Columbia will be picking up books for their programs.

The books were donated by Owlkids Books, Raincoast Books and Orca Books, all Canadian publishers working with First Book Canada.”A big part of the Owlkids mandate is to have our books and magazines enjoyed by as many Canadian children as possible,” said Jennifer Canham, Group Publisher, Owlkids Books. “We dream that children’s lives can be full of happiness. And we know giving the gift of reading will fulfill our dream. We value partners like First Book Canada who help us do just that.”

First Book Canada receives new books from publishers, and makes those books available to programs serving children from low-income families at regular book distributions around the country. This will be First Book Canada’s first visit to British Columbia.

“From a child’s first book, the seeds of literacy and the love of reading are nourished,” says Brenda Le Clair, chief executive officer of Decoda Literacy Solutions. “Because of our strong network of literacy organizations and community literacy tasks groups within BC, over 50 literacy groups are taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity to put 45,000 new books into the hands of children who rarely, if ever, get a brand-new book of their own. Thank you to First Book Canada and to all of the publishers who made this possible.”

About First Book Canada:
First Book Canada provides books and educational resources to programs and schools serving children from low income families across Canada. By making new, high quality books available on an ongoing basis, First Book Canada is transforming the lives of children and elevating the quality of education in Canada. Since 2009 First Book Canada has distributed over 100,000 books to children in need across Canada. All funds raised in Canada go to programs serving Canadian children from low income families.