First Book Canada launches initiative to provide thousands of care kits to families in women’s shelters

Toronto, ON (November 1, 2019)–First Book Canada is pleased to launch its initiative to provide thousands of care kits to families living in women’s shelters over the summer. This project is possible through generous donations from Canaccord Genuity Corp., Penguin Random House Canada, Fruits & Passions, and The Face Shop and volunteer support from Dream Unlimited.

In July, a group of DREAM employees handpicked and packed care kits for 31 groups serving women and families living in women’s shelters across Canada. The kits include 5,000 donated books from Penguin Random House Canada and 140,000 skincare products from The Face Shop and Fruits & Passion that will help facilitate a smooth transition for families who have been living in women’s shelters across Canada. For these families, especially the children who have had to leave their homes, these care kits will serve as a housewarming gift as they transition into their new homes.

“With the generous donations of skincare and wellness products, Mamas for Mamas was able to distribute these kits at our back to school event for 100+ teens who would otherwise not be able to afford to feel their best for their first big day at school.” Megan Gullen, Marketing Officer, Mamas for Mamas in Kelowna, BC.

“First Book Canada is so thrilled to partner with Canaccord Genuity and a whole range of impressive partners on this project,” Tom Best, Executive Director of First Book Canada, said today. “These shelters accommodate women and their children when they are fleeing violence. We know a good book and skincare products can help women and their children transition to a new life."

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The thirty recipients of pallets from this program were:

Edmonton Food Bank Annex Alberta Smithers Community Services Association British Columbia Mamas for Mamas British Columbia Elizabeth Fry Society of Greater Vancouver British Columbia Aunt Leah's Place British Columbia Literacy Alberni British Columbia Elizabeth Fry Society of Manitoba Manitoba Winnipeg Child & Family Services Manitoba Jewish Child & Family Service Manitoba Aurora House Manitoba Tearmann House Nova Scotia Viola's Place Nova Scotia The Shoebox Project Ontario Na'Maat Canada Ontario The Red Door Family Shelter Ontario Anduhyaun Inc. Ontario Sistering Ontario Women's Habitat Ontario Daily Bread Food Bank Ontario Partners in Mission Food Bank Ontario Project Share - Niagara Ontario Niagara Children's Services Ontario Women on the Rise Quebec The Welfare Association Chainon Quebec Chez Doris Quebec Welcome Hall Mission Quebec Old Brewery Mission Quebec La Maison grise de Montréal Quebec YMCA des Femmes Quebec Sun Youth Organization Quebec

About First Book Canada
Almost 25% of Canadian households do not have a single book. First Book Canada is transforming the lives of kids in need by making brand new, high-quality books and educational resources available on an ongoing basis. Through a market-driven model, First Book Canada is creating equal access to quality education affordable to its member network of more than 12,000 educators who exclusively serve kids in need. Since 2009, First Book Canada has distributed more than 7 million books and educational resources to hundreds of thousands of kids across Canada.

Eligible educators, program coordinators, librarians, and professionals serving kids in need can register atwww.fbmpcanada.org/register. For more information, visitfirstbookcanda.organd follow our latest news onTwitter,Facebook, andLinkedIn.

Media Contact:

Tom Best, Executive Director, First Book Canada
tbest@firstbook.org
866.732.3669 ext. 0310

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