Volunteers in orange shirts touting special editions of the Citizen collected over $6,500 for area literacy projects during Raise a Reader Day in Prince George.
The event, held in conjunction with media organizations across Canada, saw 100 volunteers at 15 locations throughout the city exchange copies of the newspaper for donations.
Alan Ramsay, Prince George Citizen business development co-ordinator, gave a "huge" thank you to the volunteers, organizers, and sponsors (UNBC, Assante Wealth Management, McDonald's and the Prince George Rotary Clubs) for their support of Raise a Reader Day.
"The Community continues to rise to the occasion when it comes to Raise a Reader," said Ramsay. "I believe it resonates with most of us, the generosity is tremendous. The great thing about this program is 100 per cent of the money stays local."
The money raised on Raise a Reader Day is set to be supplemented with matching provincial grants as well as local and national sponsorship funding.
Since it started in Prince George five years ago, the program has raised $150,000 for area literacy programs.
Groups looking to access Raise a Reader funding have until Oct. 31 to apply for grants. Applications can be obtained by contacting Ramsay at [email protected].
Last year Raise a Reader distributed grants to 21 projects to area literacy projects.
