Moose Jaw’s joint-use school recipient of national book fundraiser

MOOSE JAW — Students attending the new joint-use school on South Hill not only have a new building to enjoy, but will soon have many new books to read, thanks to a national fundraiser.

The Indigo Love of Reading Foundation announced recently that it had selected Our Lady of Hope Catholic Elementary School and Coteau Hills Elementary School as the recipients of this year’s Adopt-a-School Program.

“We are thrilled to welcome students to our brand-new schools — Our Lady of Hope and Coteau Hills — this week,” said Stacey Moser, the learning facilitator for Holy Trinity Catholic School Division.

“These stunning learning spaces are ready to inspire, and we can’t wait for our students to experience them first-hand,” she continued, noting it’s exciting that Indigo selected Moose Jaw for the adopt-a-school program.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for our South Hill community and the families of Our Lady of Hope and Coteau Hills,” Moser added. “Together, we can build a vibrant, welcoming library that reflects our shared commitment to literacy and the belief that a love of reading is key to our students’ success.”

The Adopt-a-School Program is a fundraising and grant program designed in partnership with Indigo, Coles, Chapters, and Indigospirit stores to raise funds for literacy in schools across Canada. This program is different because 100 per cent of the funds raised by each store location go directly to the partner school for the purchase of new books and literacy materials.

This year’s campaign runs from Sept. 5 to Sunday, Oct. 5, and Coles in Saskatoon’s Midtown Mall has adopted the joint-use school in Moose Jaw. Besides all funds going to the school library, Indigo is also offering 30 per cent off all purchases.

In a video promoting the program, Indigo said many Canadian children don’t have a single book in their home and rely on their schools’ libraries “to inspire and fulfill their love of reading.” However, the video noted that school library budgets have declined significantly during the past few decades.

For example, in the 1970s, the video noted that school libraries had budgets to purchase three books for every student, but today, they can now afford only one book for every nine students.

“Our children are going to schools with books that are often over 40 years old (and are) worn, torn, stained and, in some cases, unreadable,” the company said, noting 72 per cent of schools fundraise to support their libraries and teachers spend on average $1,000 to buy books and learning materials.

Indigo believes books can change a child’s life forever and is committed to giving books to children in disadvantaged communities so they can build lifelong literacy skills, the video said.

So, the company donates $1.5 million annually through the Indigo Love of Reading Foundation and helps elementary schools through the Adopt-a-School Program.

“Together, we are giving Canadian children the pictures to inspire their dreams, the words to achieve their best and the books to make it all possible,” the video adds. “Together, we can change children’s lives forever. Put a book in a child’s hands today.”

Children who possess books that excite them have a greater love of reading, their learning increases, their literacy scores go up, and their confidence and self-esteem grow, said Moser.

“Reading opens doors to endless possibilities … ,” she remarked. “Together, we can make an incredible difference in the lives of our South Hill students!”

Moser also pointed out that the team at Cole’s in Saskatoon’s Midtown Plaza is stepping up to help turn Moose Jaw students’ book dreams into realities.

“The more they know about our children, the better they can share our hopes for our new library with every customer who walks through their doors,” she added. “Together, we will change lives!”

To donate, visit Our Lady of Hope — Indigo Love of Reading Foundation.