The Vancouver Sun Raise-a-Reader Program

Raise-a-Reader started in Vancouver in 1997 and has since raised over $4.5 million dollars in support of children and family literacy in British Columbia. The Raise-a-Reader program went national in 2001 but Vancouver continues to lead in annual fundraising with more than 100 beneficiary organizations benefiting in 2007 alone. We are proud of the success Raise-a-Reader has achieved and the families that have benefited.

Low literacy skills are some of society's hidden handicaps. Statistics show that a shocking 22% of adult Canadians have serious problems with reading and comprehension. Raise-a-Reader is designed to address the issue head-on and raise money and awareness for children and family literacy, building stronger local communities.

To achieve our goals, The Vancouver Sun commits extensive financial, promotional and editorial support to the Raise-a-Reader program. The campaign culminates on Raise-a-Reader Day, September 24th, 2008 which involves a local celebrity promotion program at numerous downtown street corners. Hundreds of local celebrities, sports personalities, entertainers and community leaders take to the streets of Vancouver to exchange special edition copies of The Vancouver Sun for donations.

For more info please click on the logo below.