Big-hearted businesses in Wisbech have been making ‘outstanding contributions’ towards Steve Barclay MP’s Read to Succeed campaign.
It aims to raise enough money to buy a new reading book for every Year 4 child in North East Cambridgeshire.
Wisbech businesses such as McDonalds, Peter Humphrey Associates, Fenland Produce, Lamb Weston, Bowsers Solicitors, Bulley Davey Accountants and Metcalfe Copeman and Pettefar have all made donations.
Mr Barclay said: “So far we have raised just over £2000 which leaves us with a big chunk still to go before we reach our target! I am really grateful to the individuals and local businesses who have already donated and I hope that other local businesses and constituents will be as supportive.
“I launched the campaign three years ago after a number of teachers raised the issue that many children fail to make progress during the summer holiday, when they are out of school.
“Read to Succeed aims to help combat this. In the back of every book donated, we will place a library token, which each child can take to their local library and take part in the Reading Agency’s Summer Reading Challenge.”
Steve first launched the campaign in 2016, after teachers raised the difficulty of encouraging children to read throughout the summer holidays which caused their literacy skills to suffer a dip after the school break.
The initiative, supported by the Bishop of Ely, teachers, businesses and community groups, ensures that every Year 4 child in North East Cambridgeshire can have a new book to take home and keep before the holidays.
This year group being chosen because it is the age at which children often begin to read more independently.
Last year, local libraries recorded an 11 per cent increase in children participating in the Summer Reading Challenge as a result of the scheme. Thanks to donations from local businesses and the community, the MP raised enough money to buy 2500 books – one for every year 4 and year 5 child in the constituency.
Donations can be made by BACS, cheque or by telephone.
Visit Steve’s website www.stevebarclay.net/read-to-succeed-2018/ for more details or telephone the Norfolk Children’s Book Centre on 01263 761402.
Alternatively, you can purchase any of the requested titles at any store and deliver them to: Steve Barclay MP, MJS House, Wisbech Road, March, PE15 0BA
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