(Image Credit: CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

Raise a Reader

Early morning silliness raises funds for Literacy in Kamloops

Sep 27, 2023 | 5:00 PM

KAMLOOPS – Literacy in Kamloops hosted its 16th Annual Raise a Reader campaign Wednesday (Sept. 27).

Members of the TRU Wolfpack, the Kamloops Storm and Kamloops Ambassadors were stationed at 15 drive-through locations throughout the city from 7:00 a.m.to 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, collecting funds for local literacy programs.

“It’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” Fiona Clare from Literacy in Kamloops told CFJC News. “It’s actually the only one we do that raises funds that are then eligible for a percentage of matching funding from the province, and that’s what keeps our literacy programs running all year.”

For the group of TRU volleyball players stationed at the Lower Sahali Tim Hortons, drumming up donations meant showcasing their athletic prowess and personalities.

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“We got some signed flippers this year and I think that’s really helping with the donations there. We are getting lots of laughs from people and at least if they’re spreading a bit of happiness in the community,” Sam Elgert, TRU student-athlete said. “I think that’s a good thing, even if we don’t get as many donations as we usually do.”

In a mere two hours, $5,600 in cash was collected in Kamloops.

“I’m always surprised because this year has been a tough year with the wildfires and… things like that,” Clare explained. “People are always being asked to sort of dip into their pockets and donate and yet people are so generous in Kamloops. I think everyone understands that literacy matters.”

And understand, they did. For many, the Raise a Reader campaign hits close to home.

“Growing up, it was programs in school that helped get me to university,” Elgert said. “Obviously learning how to read is such an essential skill for young kids, so I think helping fund those programs is super important, especially in cities like Kamloops and getting kids to go through to university.”