Submitted

As the leaves turn and the temperatures drop, the Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy (CBAL) is preparing to launch the 14th annual Books for Kids fundraising campaign.

 At the heart of our campaign, running from mid-October to mid-December, is the belief that local access to learning opportunities and the ability to forge meaningful connections are the cornerstones of strong, resilient communities.

In partnership with Black Press Media, Blue Sky Clothing Co., The Columbia Valley Pioneer, and local credit unions, the funds raised through the Books for Kids campaign enable CBAL to provide free literacy and learning programs and books for children, youth, and their families.

Participating in a CBAL preschool family literacy program like Mother Goose or Muffins and More can boost a parent’s confidence in embracing their role as their child’s first teacher. Struggling readers can make significant progress through one-on-one sessions with CBAL’s reading tutors. Youth can nurture their passion for writing by joining Your Life in Lines, a journalling program. Attending a cooking program offers children the chance to develop social, emotional, and culinary skills. CBAL also brings the joy of reading to families by giving away books and helping to build personal libraries at home.

 CBAL strives to foster a welcoming environment where building skills goes hand-in-hand with building connections between families, peer groups, and community organizations.

Desneiges Profili, CBAL executive director says, “Our work is possible through a network of invaluable community partnerships with local schools, libraries, businesses, and other nonprofits. Together, we leverage resources, share expertise, and create more effective and far-reaching programs. This collaborative spirit allows CBAL to innovate and adapt in each community, ensuring our services remain free, relevant, and impactful.”

As we kick off this year’s Books for Kids fundraising campaign, we invite you to participate by purchasing a pair of Blue Sky Clothing Co. socks, donating at your local CBAL office, online at cbal.org or contributing via e-Transfer. Your donation makes a difference!

For more information contact  Alana Murdoch , Regional Program Manager,  Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy – [email protected]

 The Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy is a not-for-profit organization that develops, promotes and delivers literacy and essential skills services for people of all ages in the Columbia Basin and Boundary regions of British Columbia. CBAL’s 16 Community Literacy Coordinators provide services in 77 communities, working with local literacy planning committees to develop effec