Raise-a-Reader Concert Series to launch as national initiative
WINNIPEG, Sept. 21 /CNW/ - As volunteers from coast-to-coast prepare to hit street corners on CanWest Raise-a-Reader Day, the founders of this national literacy fundraiser are preparing a new stage for the program. Today, CanWest proudly launched the Raise-a-Reader Concert Series with the announcement of international recording star, Michael Bublé as the first Canadian artist to attach his name to Raise-a-Reader's literacy cause.
In a press conference yesterday with CEO and President of CanWest Publishing, Dennis Skulsky, Bublé introduced details on his nationwide tour for 2008 with partial ticket proceeds going to the Raise-a-Reader national fundraising program.
"It'll be great to be back performing on my home turf, and the chance to tie in with Raise-a-Reader is a great way for all of us to help make Canada 'well read'," said Bublé.
David Asper, Executive Vice President of CanWest Global Communications Corp. and Chairman, National Post said, "We've had great success with the annual buzz around Raise-a-Reader Day for the past five years. Now, with exposure and fundraising in 25 cities coast-to-coast, it's the perfect time to take the leap from a one-day event to a year-round series of excitement and entertainment in support of the cause."
The Concert Series will be further elevated by the program's exclusive sponsor Assante Wealth Management. Assante has been a major sponsor of Raise-a-Reader since 2004 and has this year provided additional funding, dedicated to launching this new series.
"We believe strongly in the importance of literacy and the role it plays in helping create wealth and prosperity for Canadian families," says Joe Canavan, Chairman and CEO of Assante Wealth Management.
"The Concert Series isa great opportunity to partner with some of our exceptionally talented Canadian artists, reach greater numbers of Canadians, and raise the profile of literacy across the country."
Another key partner in the series is international concert promoters, Live Nation. "Live Nation Canada is honoured to partner with Michael Bublé and Raise-a-Reader to support local literacy initiatives across the country", said Paul Haagenson, President of Live Nation Canada.
"Launching this national concert series with the generous support of Michael Bublé brings the literacy message to new audiences and in the end will mean enhanced funds for literacy beneficiaries across Canada," added Asper.
ABOUT RAISE-A-READER
CanWest Raise-a-Reader is a national campaign to generate funds for local literacy programs and raise awareness about the importance of encouraging family literacy.
The highly successful Raise-a-Reader Day has raised $7.45 million for literacy beneficiaries across Canada since its inception in 2002. On the morning of Wednesday, October 3(*), Canadians will be greeted by volunteers on street corners and at bus stops across the country, who will "hawk" newspapers in exchange for donations. 100 per cent of the funds raised in the local markets stays in their community to support family literacy programs.
(*) Raise-a-Reader Day takes place on Thursday, September 27 in Montreal.
Raise-a-Reader Day 2007 - cities and supporting newspapers
Vancouver Island
Victoria - Times Colonist
Port Alberni - Alberni Valley Times
Nanaimo - Nanaimo Daily News
BC Mainland
Vancouver - The Vancouver Sun
Kelowna - Kelowna Daily Courier
Penticton - Penticton Herald
Prince George - Prince George Citizen
