Wednesday, September 28 is National Raise-a-Reader Day, and Education Minister George Abbott has one request for British Columbians: please buy a newspaper in support of the 2011 Postmedia Raise-a-Reader campaign.

Literacy skills are a necessary part of achieving a healthy, successful future, and it's through school and community-based literacy initiatives that children and families in B.C. can learn these vital skills. This year, the Ministry of Education is providing $500,000 to the Raise-a-Reader campaign, which helps to support community-based literacy initiatives.

Funds raised through the annual Raise-a-Reader campaign play an integral role in supporting literacy programs that help B.C. families. Since 2004, the Province has invested more than $4.8 million in support of Raise-a-Reader, including the funds for this year. The Province remains committed to literacy initiatives across British Columbia.

Decoda Literacy Solutions is B.C.'s new provincial literacy organization. Decoda works to support and enhance literacy programs across the province. This year, Decoda has partnered with the Vancouver Sun to support the Raise-a-Reader campaign in the Lower Mainland, and they will also be responsible for distributing the Province's Raise-a-Reader contribution.

Since 2001, the Province has invested approximately $1.4 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives, including pre-literacy and early learning programs.

View a photo from last year's Raise-a-Reader Day: http://flic.kr/p/aqW9mN

Quotes:

Jamie Pitblado, VP of Promotions & Community Investment, Pacific Newspaper Group -

"The written word is a powerful thing, which is why literacy is a very important cause. The skills a person gains from reading has far-reaching benefits. It improves a person's overall quality of life. Here at The Vancouver Sun, we've been privileged to hear stories of how families have benefited from Raise-a-Reader funds and it is those stories that motivate us to keep raising awareness and money every year. We are grateful for the support and proud to partner with the B.C. Government to keep fighting illiteracy in the province."

Quick Facts:

• Last year, the B.C. Raise-a-Reader campaign raised about $1,142,261.
• Decoda Literacy Solutions is B.C.'s new provincial literacy organization. Decoda combines the experience, knowledge and expertise of Literacy BC and the literacy department of 2010 Legacies Now.
• More than 40 per cent of Canadian adults have literacy skills below the level needed to succeed in today's society and economy.
• In B.C., nearly 80,000 children and teens participate in reading club programs offered by public libraries each year.

Since September 2001, the Province has invested almost $1.4 billion in literacy and literacy-related initiatives for British Columbia. Funding for literacy in B.C. has included:

• $43 million for StrongStart BC programs.
• $24 million for Ready, Set, Learn since 2004-05.
• $25 million for innovation grants to improve literacy for students who struggle with these skills.

Learn More:

Ministry of Education: www.readnowbc.ca

Decoda Literacy Solutions: http://decoda.ca

Postmedia Raise-a-Reader: www.raiseareader.com

Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963

Melinda Johnston
Communications Manager
Decoda Literacy Solutions
604 681-4199 ex. 405