A local program promoting early childhood literacy, which looked set to end because of a funding shortfall, will survive another year.
Canadian oil company Cenovus Energy, which has offices in Athabasca, stepped forward with $3,500 after the board of the Athabasca Words Work Literacy Society appealed for funding in a last-gasp effort to save the program.
Books for Babies, previously funded by the government through the Wild Rose Foundation, saw thousands of books delivered to babies born in the Athabasca and Boyle healthcare centres.
Each baby received packages containing four books at intervals up to their first birthday. The packages also included free library passes and information for their parents on how to foster reading in the home and promote early childhood literacy.
“We sent a letter asking for funding and were advised by Cenovus to apply online under their community investment program,” said Donna Taylor, coordinator of Words Work.
“That was on Dec. 2 and we just got word they are giving us $3,500, which will cover the cost of the resources we need to keep Books for Babies going for another year.”
Lincoln County Oilfield Services also sent a donation of $500.
“This is so generous and we are extremely grateful,” said Taylor.
“We were just about to run out of supplies for Books for Babies so the timing couldn’t be better.”
Read and Rhyme, an interactive workshop for parents and toddlers and part of the Words Work family literacy program, is still ‘off the table’ for 2011 because funding cannot be found, added Taylor.
“We have to say a huge thank you to Cenovus Energy and the Lincoln County Oilfield Services for helping us keep Books for Babies, a very valuable program, going in our communities.
“This program instills early literacy skills in children, making their school life more productive. It is the beginning of a successful life of learning.”
