Raise a Reader 2010

Every fall Canucks veterans and newcomers take to the streets of Vancouver to hand out newspapers and pose for photos with smiling fans. Tomorrow, September 29th, they’ll be at it again with the Vancouver Sun in hand and with proceeds going to literacy programs across Canada during Raise-a-Reader Day.

“Raise-a-Reader, a year-round initiative that raises funds for family literacy programs across Canada, has raised $15-million since its national launch in 2002. The program has also helped educate Canadians about literacy issues and how improved literacy levels have a positive impact on our country’s economy and social well-being. The program was initiated by The Vancouver Sun and originally ran as an isolated fundraiser in British Columbia. Today, the campaign is TRULY national – with representation by newspapers in all ten (10) provinces and the celebration of Raise-a-Reader Day in cities from Ucluelet, BC to St. John’s, NL.”

I have been out and about on Raise-a-Reader Day every year since moving downtown in 2005 and the best locations for Canuck-spotting are usually along Georgia Street at Granville, Hornby, or Burrard. You could find a few members of the Canucks organization down at the Burrard Skytrain station as well. Although I’m unsure of the times this year, the campaign has run from about 6:00am – 9:00am.

Remember to bring a donation with you (at least a toonie is suggested) as you can’t have your photo taken or paper autographed without a contribution. 100% of proceeds from Raise-a-Reader go right back into the community.