Children in the community of Coronach are learning to love reading at their local library and for the second year in a row, Access Communications is donating a $2,000 grant, from the Access Communications Children’s Fund, to the library’s weekly Reading Circle.
“At Access, we believe that it’s not enough to be in a community – we want to be part of it,” Children’s Fund Chair Doug Alexander said. “The Coronach Library’s Reading Circle will promote literacy and foster a love for reading among local children, and we’re delighted to lend a hand.”
The program, which takes place every Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., is designed for preschool children aged three to four. Children listen to stories, do crafts, enjoy a snack and select a book to take home with them. Most importantly, they have fun!
“We’re pleased that the Children’s Fund sees the importance of the Reading Circle for our children and for our library,” Coronach Library Administrator Giselle Wilson said. “The program is more popular than ever and we’re looking forward to another great year.”
The library was busy with excited children for the January 12 Reading Circle. Wendy Hoffart, Regional Manager for the South Division of Access Communications was in Coronach to present Wilson with the $2000 cheque. “I am pleased to be here, on behalf of Access Communications, to do this. This is the second year we have presented them a cheque from the Children’s Fund, so it’s obvious, with all the children here, that it is a beneficial program.”
Children from the Coronach Early Learning Literacy (CELLC) Daycare were in attendance, and regularly attend the Reading Circle. Molly Korbo, an educator for CELLC commended the library’s Reading Circle. “I really enjoy the program at the library. It is great to have a new area for the children to go to and do special things. We enjoy the snack time, the reading and all of the crafts they have done this year and last year.” said Korbo.
Brandy Schnell, mom of Spencer, Shelby and Sierra who regularly attend the Reading Circle, said, ”It’s a great program for 3 and 4 year olds, getting ready for preschool. It’s great that they have the donations, cause Giselle has great ideas.”
Wilson talked about how the money is used. “The money we receive from the grant is used to buy craft supplies and supply the snack and other resources that we need to run the program.” said Wilson.
The Access Communications Children’s Fund Inc. is a registered charity that contributes funds and support to youth-based, not-for-profit organizations and charities in the many communities served by Access Communications Co-operative. More information about the fund can be found at www.myaccess.ca under “In The Community – Children’s Fund.”
With the expansion of Access Communications Co-operative to communities outside the Regina area, the Children’s Fund now reaches children in over 200 communities across Saskatchewan; from La Ronge and Meadow Lake, Maple Creek and Estevan, and Yorkton and Moosomin.
The Fund began operations in 1992 as the Cable Regina Fund. In 1996, the Fund assumed the operations of the CKCK Radio Children’s Fund when CKCK Radio went off the air. The CKCK Fund was established in 1967 to mark Canada’s centennial and had been an important source of assistance to Saskatchewan children in need — especially those who were not eligible for existing funding.
Until 2006, the Children’s Fund was primarily supported through donations raised by Access employees and community activities. In 2006, the Children’s Fund introduced its own weekly fundraising program, The Children’s Fund TV Bingo on Access7. The program has proven to be an overwhelming success with proceeds from bingo card revenues going directly to the Children’s Fund. As Access Communications’ footprint expands, so too does Access TV Bingo. Each Saturday at 5:00 p.m., Access TV Bingo is broadcast live on Access7 in 70 Saskatchewan communities.
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