James Mowat Elementary and Mills Haven Elementary are collecting donations for new books through the Indigo Adopt a School program fundraiser, running until October 6.
Sherwood Park, AB. — The Indigo Adopt a School Program is back this year and two schools within Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS) are looking to raise $1,000 to fill their library shelves. The annual program is a national initiative that raises funds for schools across Canada to purchase needed books and builds awareness about the importance of school learning commons.
“I just like reading because it’s fun, and I get to discover new words in books,” says Harper Leggott, a Grade 2 student at Mills Haven Elementary. “Books can be old and new—I like reading books so I can learn new things.”
The program runs from now until October 6 and relies on community support through online donations. Schools are set up with a free Adopt a School microsite hosted by Indigo. There, community members can donate a sum of money, by name or anonymously. Donating is easy. Simply visit Indigo’s microsite for each—EIPS schools’ fundraising sites include:
Schools will receive an Indigo gift card with 100 per cent of the funds raised during the program, and a 30 per cent discount for whatever is purchased with the card. Schools in the Division represent two of 27 schools in Alberta participating in this year’s program.
Each school is looking to expand their collection to enhance literacy and complement the curriculum. “Reading is so important for early learning,” says Cathy Allen, the Board Chair of EIPS. “To encourage that love of reading at a young age develops literacy skills in students, which they take into their adult lives. Reading books supports students in exploring their interests, developing expertise and pursuing their passions.”
Adopt a School is part of Indigo’s Love of Reading Foundation, which aims to give students equal access to books to help them develop a love of reading and build their literacy skills. The following Indigo stores are also accepting in-person donations:
- Chapters St. Albert, accepting for James Mowat Elementary; and
- Indigo Sherwood Park, accepting for Mills Haven Elementary.
“With books, you can dive into a world that isn’t your own,” says Emily Ozechowski, a Grade 6 student at Mills Haven Elementary. “When you’re in the library, there are so many different worlds you can choose from!”
Elk Island Public Schools is one of Alberta’s largest school divisions, serving approximately 17,750 students in 42 schools. We are proud to be an integral part of our communities, including Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Vegreville, Strathcona and Lamont counties, and the western portion of the County of Minburn.
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For more information, media can contact:
Laura McNabb, Director, Communication Services, EIPS 780-417-8204 cell 780-405-4902