Supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children thanks to the generous support of Waterstones
Published on: 5 Rhagfyr 2022
Waterstones have been generous supporters of BookTrust for a decade, supporting our work with children and families across the country.
Leading national retailer Waterstones, a long-term supporter of BookTrust and champion of books and children's reading, is supporting our work to reach the most disadvantaged and vulnerable children on their reading journeys.
From our new Bookstart early years programme which aims to provide families with books and resources to share stories together; our work to encourage children and families to make visiting their local library a regular part of family life; or our commitment to promote the impact representation in children's books has on children's motivations to read, we would not be able to reach disadvantaged children and families across England, Wales and Northern Ireland without the support of our generous donors.
Waterstones, their staff and customers support BookTrust in several different ways, from donating carrier bag charges to BookTrust to selling a range of charity Christmas cards (in store and online now).
The proceeds all contribute to our work to reach the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children on their reading journeys.
Some of Waterstones' Christmas cards in aid of BookTrust
Speaking about the partnership, Diana Gerald, Chief Executive of BookTrust said:
'The combination of a global pandemic and current cost of living crisis is placing unprecedented pressures on children and families, so there's never been a more urgent time for us to inspire the next generation of children on their reading journeys.
'Sharing stories and reading together with children has been proven to bring them wide-ranging benefits and for those children facing disadvantage, these benefits can be truly life-changing.
'We are so grateful for the long-term and generous support of Waterstones, its booksellers and customers which enables us to reach those families most in need with our books, resources and reading support. Together we are making an important difference and inspiring millions of children to pick up their next book.'
Supporting the Children's Laureate
As an established champion of books and reading, Waterstones is also the lead sponsor of the Children's Laureate. This prestigious role plays a critical role in championing children's reading across the UK.
Currently held by award winning poet, playwright and author Joseph Coelho, the biannual appointment is made to a renowned writer or illustrator to celebrate creativity, storytelling and promotes the vital importance of children reading throughout their tenure.
You can read more about the Waterstones Children's Laureate here.
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