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Head shaving promised by Free Rein director

Fundraiser for Story Time in the Park

Peter Bailey, director of Free Rein Associates, is hoping to keep the love of literacy alive through a community-wide bottle drive.

And to really entice people to donate, he’s promised to shave his head.

The money raised will  go directly to Story Time in the Park, through the New Page Human Services Society, a non-profit community literacy organization.

Story Time in the Park is a free summer reading program in Hope, Boston Bar, Agassiz and Harrison that seeks to improve early childhood development and literacy through fun family literacy events. Attending families enjoy entertainment, a story, free lunch and a new book.

Story Time fundraisers include a bottle drive and the “WANTED” campaign.

If $4,000 is raised, Bailey will have his head shaved at Story Time in Hope on Aug. 20.

“This is a great way for everyone in the community to support Story Time.

“I hope everyone will dig deep to keep this important program alive,” said Bailey.

Story Time makes reading fun, encourages families to read together and provides parents with tools they need help their children learn.

The program is 100 per cent funded by sponsors, private donors, community organizations and local businesses.

All funds are used for program costs including a Canada Summer Student, entertainment, food and books.

“We’ve had record attendance this year with over 700 participants last week alone.

“It’s exciting to have such a great turnout, but it also means our costs are going up.

“Books alone average $8 each and Story Time gives out more than 350 copies each week,” said Jodi McBride, Story Time proposal writer.

“We want to make sure we can serve every parent or grandparent and child who comes.”

Bottles and cans can be dropped off at Story Time events in Hope, Boston Bar, Agassiz or Harrison or the SOCIA building (895 Third Ave., Hope).

Cash donations can be dropped off at the SOCIA building or mailed to: New Pages Human Services Society, P.O. Box 998 Hope, BC V0X 1L0

Make cheques payable to New Page Human Services Society: STITP and don’t forget to ask for a charitable receipt.

For more information contact Jodi McBride at jodi@freereinassociates.ca or 604-869-2279.