United Way Regina introducing literacy initiatives for school children this year By Moises Canales
Jan 27, 2021 1:12 PM
United Way Regina is taking part in a number of initiatives over the next year to help early childhood literacy rates in the city.
Amanda Lanoway, director of engagement with United Way Regina, said the city has partnered with the Campaign for Grade Level Reading Network (CGLR) in order to provide access to literacy supports for schools and community organizations.
“Education is foundational to preventing poverty, violence and crime; learning how to read is a critical piece of this education puzzle. The CGLR focuses on one factor which predicts school success better than all others: Grade 3 reading,” reads a statement by United Way Regina on the newly announced project.
REGINA Staff at the Seven Stones Community School surprised their students with some holiday gifts Thursday. The packages included various foods and items which may be needed during this time of year. “We didn’t tell any of the students that we were doing this, in fact we just started making calls yesterday,” said Theressa Burkholder, Seven Stones Community School Staff Member. Because of the pandemic and the school moving to remote learning, staff had to cancel the annual holiday event for the students. Staff said the event takes a lot of time and effort to prepare for. It’s a time both students and those who organize it look forward to.
Froh was inspired to start the community fridge after seeing similar initiatives in Calgary and Toronto.
So far, Froh said the fridge has been getting a lot of use, with food items only sitting in the fridge for a few hours before being picked up.
“It’s been really good and everything’s just disappearing, like just flying out of there, so it’s awesome,” said Froh.
The fridge sits inside a framed structure that is insulated and has its own thermostat so that it can run smoothly without freezing up. There’s also a space for pantry items. Sarah Mitten, left, and Danielle Froh stand together at the new community fridge and freezer behind the Regina Family Pharmacy on Dewdney Avenue on Dec. 17, 2020. Photo by BRANDON HARDER /Regina Leader-Post