All Canadians have chance to participate in Guinness world record as part of Family Literacy Day festivitiesTORONTO, ON – November 5, 2008: ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and Oxford Learning today announced a new partnership to present the Family Literacy Day® World Record Attempt, a national, bilingual initiative encouraging adults and children to engage in 30 minutes of reading together on January 23 or 24, 2009. The initiative, part of Family Literacy Day (FLD) 2009 celebrations, encourages Canadians to read along and help break the Guinness World Record™ for “Most Children Reading with an Adult, Multiple Venues.” The current record of 78,791 was set across the U.S. in 2006.
“Every year, thousands of Canadians participate in Family Literacy Day activities across the country. The World Record initiative is another great way to rally Canadian communities and help raise awareness for the benefits of adults and children reading and learning together,” said Margaret Eaton, President, ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation. “A few minutes of family reading a day helps a parent and a child in very big way. It prepares children for challenges ahead, encourages a lifetime of reading enjoyment, and sharpens an adult’s literacy skills. ABC CANADA is delighted to have the support of Oxford Learning, and FLD founding sponsor Honda Canada, in these exciting initiatives.”
The first sponsorship ever in their 25-year history, Oxford Learning has been named the Official Family Literacy Day World Record Attempt Sponsor. In addition to providing support toward the development, execution and promotion of the world record attempt, all 85 Oxford Learning centres across Canada will host on-site public events.
“Reading, language development and literacy are the basic building blocks for thinking, learning and almost every skill that we use in our day-to-day lives,” says Dr. Nick Whitehead, CEO, Oxford Learning. “Oxford Learning is proud to work with ABC CANADA and participate in Family Literacy Day events that promote literacy and stimulate the brain.”
Anyone can participate in the FLD World Record Attempt, from one adult and child reading together at home to large groups with a number of children being read to by several adult readers in a public setting. In addition to Oxford Learning centres, public events are being planned for YMCAs, libraries, schools and literacy organizations across the country to occur in the 24-hour period between 2:00 p.m. on January 23 and 2:00 p.m. on January 24.
A special section on the ABC CANADA website www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca (and the French equivalent at www.fld-jaf.ca), has been created to provide all the information and resources teachers, librarians and families need to participate in the FLD World Record Attempt.
“Guinness World Records commends ABC CANADA for organizing this upcoming attempt. Guinness World Records is committed to literacy and fully supports activities that involve family reading. We were delighted to donate copies of the “Guinness World Records 2009” to ABC CANADA to encourage even more Canadian families to read and enjoy,” says Carey Low, Canadian Record Keeper, Guinness World Records.
Click here to go to the FLD World Record Attempt webpage.
About Family Literacy Day
Family Literacy Day, held annually on January 27, was developed by ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation and Honda Canada in 1999 to encourage families to read and learn together on a daily basis. Last year, for Family Literacy Day’s tenth year celebrations, it is estimated that over 275,000 Canadians participated in literacy activities at home and in schools, libraries and literacy organizations across the country. For more information, visit www.FamilyLiteracyDay.ca.
About Honda Canada
Honda is the world’s pre-eminent maker of engines for automobiles, motorcycles and power equipment. With 135 manufacturing facilities in 28 countries worldwide, Honda now attracts more than 23 million customers annually. Honda Canada manufactures the Honda Ridgeline and Civic sedan and coupe, and the Acura CSX and MDX at its two plants in Alliston, Ontario.
About Oxford Learning
Since 1984, Oxford Learning has been using cognitive learning techniques to help children develop new ways of thinking, concentrating, listening, and remembering. Oxford Learning goes beyond tutoring to help students reach their learning potential, not just for one grade or one year, but for a lifetime.
About ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation
ABC CANADA Literacy Foundation is Canada’s private-sector voice championing adult literacy. The national charity envisions a Canada where individuals, regardless of their circumstances, are provided the opportunities to increase the skills that prepare people for realizing their full potential at work, at home and in the community. To learn more, visit www.abc-canada.org.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
ABC CANADA:
Karen Benner, Communications Manager
416-218-0010 x 122
kbenner@abc-canada.org
Ashley Tilley
Phone: 416-218-0010 x 127
Toll free: 1-800-303-1004 x 127
email: atilley@abc-canada.org
