You may have already heard about Books with no Bounds, founded by Oakville teen sisters and ardent readers, Julia and Emma. If you haven't, and particularly if you live in Ontario, I'd like to call your attention to their cause: a book drive sending much-needed books to aboriginal young people in Northern Ontario.
In a Facebook post Julia and Emma explained:
“(First Nations) Regional Chief Stan Beardy once
told us that First Nation kids sometimes grow up owning
only one book their whole lives.” Many of these kids
are also four to five years behind in literacy skills.
That this is happening in our province is
to our deep shame. But Julia and Emma are on a mission
to change these conditions. We can help them in their
aim “"to fill the shelves of the children's homes
and school libraries.”"
So far Books with no Bounds has sent 12,500
books to the northern communities of the Nishnawbe Aski
Nation, but they're not done yet. Shipments are continuing
four times a year. Last weekend I donated several copies
of my own books and if you're an Ontario reader/writer/concerned
resident, please consider doing the same.
Book or monetary donation can be arranged
by visiting Books with no Bounds Facebook
page or website.
You can read more about Books with no Bounds in the National
Post and Inside Halton articles from July
and February.
