Sunshine Coast Lions Club has pledged ongoing support for the Imagination Library program in partnership with School District No. 46 (SD46).
The Lions Club has provided financial support for this program for many years, and has once again renewed its commitment to support the Imagination Library which mails quality, age-appropriate books to the homes of children every month until their fifth birthday.
Children who live on the Sunshine Coast can sign up free of charge to receive these books. Registration takes place at the SD46 SPARK! program, which provides information and materials for parents with young children to support early learning. When children get an early start with literacy in the home, they are better prepared to enter school; they do better on reading achievement tests; they find higher-paying jobs; they are more likely to pursue higher education; they lead healthier lives; and they are more likely to vote, volunteer and give back to their community.
“The Sunshine Coast Lions Club is dedicated to making a difference in the community that we live in,” said long-time member Paul Adams.
Adams and Lions Club president Richard Grant visited a SPARK! program recently and had the opportunity to hear the appreciation of parents firsthand. Kirsten Deasey, coordinator of early learning for SD46, recognizes the important partnership between the Lions Club and the Imagination Library.
“We rely on donations to ensure that young children receive books regularly,” she said. “Shared book reading plays an important role in the development of language and literacy skills.”
SD46 encourages all families on the Sunshine Coast with children under five to register for the free SPARK! program and the Imagination Library books. Contact Deasey at 604-885-6787 to register.
