Campaigns - Children's Books for CHEO
For nearly 30 years, DC Canada Education Publishing has supported children’s education through the creation and distribution of accessible learning tools such as books, games, songs, and more recently, online programs. Now, we turn to CHEO to help children in other ways! We are proud to combine our love of books with the hospital’s commitment to kids’ health and wellness. In support of the incredible work CHEO does for kids in our community, DC Canada will donate $1.00 for every book we sell in the second half of the year (2023 and 2024).
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Hey, Ottawa, think we can sell 500 books?
By Brigitte Pellerin, journalist
There are few things on this planet that I like better than seeing a kid with their nose in a book. This particular book, in the stock picture above, I used to teach my kids to read. Cup. Pup. Cup on Pup. Pup in Cup. No, do not hop on Pop. The rhythm alone was worth the exercise. It taught them that no only should language communicate but that it should sing, too.
Another thing I like a lot in this world is humour. So when the folks behind DC Books’ Twitter account started asking funny questions, I replied in kind. How do you get children into books, they asked?
Easy, I said. “You need to fold them tightly then stuff them between the covers.”
Har.
My own personal way of getting kids interested in books was to surround said kids with books from even before they were born. There were literally always books around them when they were little, and it’s still true now that they are teenagers. But here’s the important thing: other than assignments, I didn’t force or even encourage them to read this or that. Instead when I saw that they were interested in something, I asked them why they liked it and did my best to get more of that sort of thing.
In case you’re wondering: No, I did not buy all these books. Many I received as gifts and hand-me-downs. You can also find some gems at the thrift store. But really the bulk of the books I had in the house came from my beloved Ottawa Public Library. I’d take the kids and they’d go nuts picking whatever struck them that day. We’d go regularly, maybe once a week. You just never know what’s going to interest one kid on any given day. Sometimes the time is right for Dr. Seuss and sometimes it’s Percy Jackson and all kinds of possibilities in-between. The library lets you have piles of varied stuff around the house at no extra cost. And once you know for sure a kid loves a particular author or series, then you can purchase your own copy if your budget allows.
Should you be at the point of buying a book or three for the little ones in your life, may I suggest looking at the great fundraiser DC Books has going on until December? For every book sold, $1 will go to CHEO. The goal is $500. Not to boast about my math skills or anything, but that’s only 500 books for a city of a little over 1 million people in six months.
I say that’s eminently doable. Happy reading!
Results
Campaigns - Love for the North
The education system in northern Canada is struggling in many ways. First Nations schools receive less funding compared to public schools, and they also face greater challenges due to their remoteness, the extreme weather, and the special needs of their individual communities.
The goal of our Love for the North campaign is to send 100 gift boxes of resource books to northern schools to support literacy, numeracy, and other fundamental thinking skills that are highly valued by educators and employers alike.
DC Canada Education will partner with local business and individuals to share the cost of sending each of the selected schools a gift box full of new books to inspire and empower young students in important subjects like social studies, financial literacy, mathematics, critical thinking, and language arts.
By joining us in this campaign, you will not only be supporting education in remote communities, you will be supporting the work of Canadian authors. In return, we will be happy to promote your business on our website and share the news of your generosity with the chosen schools and local media.
Let’s show our warm love for the north and a demonstration of our solidarity. Every $100 you donate provides a school with a box of books containing $200 dollars worth of new educational resources.
What's Inside?
Three Little Piggy Banks, by Pamela George (FINANCIAL LITERACY)
This story book was reviewed by the Canadian Credit Counselling Society as one of the best books to teach kids about money. Three Little Piggy Banks helps parents and teachers introduce kids to basic money management concepts of saving, sharing, and spending, all at a very early age. Young readers will learn about delayed gratification, the importance of sharing, how to set a goal for saving, and how good it feels to buy something special while living within one’s means.
Into Math with Imagination, by Yasmina Roberts (MATHEMATICS)
This three-book collection is written by a math teacher with a passion for nature and discovery. Math ideas appropriate for grades 1-3 are woven into tales of mystery and adventure to develop the analytical abilities that support math learning.
The Charter for Children, by Dustin Milligan (SOCIAL STUDIES)
The Charter for Children introduces children to the basic principles of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Each story is set in a different province or territory of the country and each addresses a different right or freedom in the Charter. The series seeks to empower children by providing them with a basic awareness of their rights and by fostering a respect for the fundamental values that Canadians cherish.
Super Hammy – My First Reading Series, by Oksanna Crawley (EARLY LITERACY / LANGUAGE ARTS)
This collection of 15 books is about a mighty little hero who goes on big adventures with his friend Little Mouse. The simple and funny stories are told in small sentences – just right for Pre-K, K, and Grade 1.
One Story a Day, by various authors (EARLY LITERACY / LANGUAGE ARTS)
One Story a Day is a 12 book series comprising high interest topics and motivational content. It features short stories about everyday life, nature and science, funny tales, fables around the world, and heartwarming narratives written by Canadian authors. The stories will inspire curiosity about the world and instill a love of reading in children in the Canadian North.
New School Songs, by various artists (EARLY LITERACY / LANGUAGE ARTS)
It’s natural for children to love music. Our exciting musical collection, New School Songs for Young and Old, provides opportunities for kids to enjoy and learn through singing and playing.
How to Participate
Simply send us an email at info@dc-canada.ca if you'd like to donate or sponsor!
Thank you to our past sponsors, BMO, Scotiabank, and Kingston Community Credit Union.