Raise-a-Reader: A Campaign That Makes a Difference
September is Literacy Month, a time to recognize the power of reading and the importance of strong literacy skills in our lives. One of the most impactful initiatives happening this month is the Raise-a-Reader (RAR) Campaign, which is back and open for donations from September 19–26, 2025. This annual fundraiser supports literacy programs for children and families across BC communities—programs that make a lasting difference in people’s lives. Read some of the Raise-a-Reader Stories.
What is Raise-a-Reader?
Launched in 1997 by The Vancouver Sun, Raise-a-Reader is a province-wide fundraising and awareness campaign that supports family literacy programs. Over the years, the campaign has raised more than $24 million to help children and families across British Columbia improve their reading skills.
Today, the campaign is powered by a partnership between Postmedia, the Province of British Columbia, Decoda Literacy Solutions, and with support from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs.
Why Family Literacy Matters
Strong literacy skills open doors to lifelong learning, confidence, and opportunity. They not only benefit individuals, but also strengthen families and build more resilient communities.
Reading together at home does more than teach vocabulary—it builds bonds, sparks imagination, and helps children develop empathy and curiosity about the world. As the campaign reminds us: “There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.”
How You Can Help
By supporting Raise-a-Reader, you’re helping families across BC access the tools they need to grow together through reading. And here’s more good news—donations are boosted by the RAR government grant, which means your gift has an even greater impact!
There are many ways to support Raise-a-Reader this year:
- Donate Online: CanadaHelps Raise-a-Reader Page
- Donate by Phone: Call 604-681-4199 ext. 400
- Donate by Mail: Raise-a-Reader, 1125 Howe Street, #980, Vancouver, BC – V6Z 2K8 (Make cheques payable to Raise-a-Reader)
- Spread the Word: Share your support on social media with the hashtag #RaiseAReader.
Every contribution, big or small, helps put books in the hands of children and gives families the chance to grow together through literacy.
Join the Movement
At Literacy Now Burnaby, we believe that reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime. By supporting campaigns like Raise-a-Reader, you’re helping ensure that children and families in our community—and across BC—have the opportunity to thrive through literacy.
Let’s make this Literacy Month count. Together, we can raise readers and build a brighter future for all.
Useful links:
- Raise-a-Reader Donation Webpage: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/42475
- Decoda Literacy Solutions’ Article: https://decoda.ca/get-involved/raise-a-reader/
- Vancouver Sun’s Article: https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/raise-a-reader-bc-how-to-donate-help
- Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs’ Release: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2025HMA0078-000880
- Postmedia’s Support: https://www.postmedia.com/supports/literacy/