Non-Profit Partner Appreciation

At First Book Canada, we have the privilege of welcoming not only a network of educators and youth leaders working in schools across the country, but also a diverse group of non-profit organizations with inspiring and impactful literacy programs. With the shared goal of reaching Canadian kids in need, we work together to bring the joy and importance of book ownership to those who need it most. By collaborating with our non-profit partners, First Book Canada helps eliminate barriers and level the playing field in childhood literacy. We are excited to share the incredible work our partners are doing and are proud to play a role in supporting their programs

Start2Finish is a Canadian charity dedicated to breaking the cycle of child poverty by providing educational support to at-risk children. Their mission is to empower children by nurturing mind, body, and social health, helping them become role models for change in their communities. Since 2018, First Book Canada has partnered with Start2Finish to provide access to books and resources that help children succeed.

How We Partner:

• •Book Vending Machine Project: First Book Canada supplies a variety of children’s books focusing on Indigenous, Canadian, and social-emotional themes to vending machines placed in schools and community centres within Start2Finish's network.

• •Books Provided: In 2025, almost 2,000 books have been provided, including titles likeFry Bread,Indian Shoes, andThe Barren Grounds.

Fact from Start2Finish:

• •16 vending machines across Canada

• •Approximately 56,100 books provided

• •Each machine receives 2,000 books annually

• •200-250 books per location, given to children for free each month

This collaboration ensures that Indigenous children and those in need have access to culturally relevant and empowering literature. To learn more about the Indigenous Lit Project & the Vending Machine Project, visitStart2Finish’s Indigenous Lit Project.

At First Book Canada, we are proud to highlight our longstanding partnership with Toronto Community Housing (TCHC), a collaboration that has significantly enriched the lives of children and youth across Toronto. TCHC, as Canada's largest social housing provider, serves over 41,000 low- and moderate-income households in 106 of Toronto's 158 neighbourhoods, offering clean, safe, and affordable homes while fostering vibrant communities where residents can thrive Toronto Community Housing.

This partnership really goes both ways, with great joint efforts to impact each other's initiatives. TCHC has generously provided community space and staff support for our book distributions, facilitating access to educational resources for families in their communities. In return, First Book Canada has supplied many brand-new books to support TCHC's youth programming, including literacy events and after-school programs.

A recent highlight of our collaboration was participating in the final day of TCHC's Leaders in Training (LIT) program. We hosted a mini book fair where each child selected 5–6 books to take home. The enthusiasm and engagement of the teens were truly inspiring, and we felt warmly welcomed by the community.

The impact First Book Canada has had on the young people in our communities has been incredible, and we want to extend our sincere appreciation for all that First Book Canada has done to support families in our Toronto Community Housing communities

Levi W, Toronto C

We are grateful for the vital work TCHC does in supporting youth through programs like Rookie League, Midnight Basketball, and HeadstART, which provide opportunities in sports, education, and the arts. We look forward to continuing our partnership and exploring new ways to empower the next generation together.

These are just two examples of how First Book Canada partners with non-profit organizations across the country to increase access to books and educational resources. From large-scale community housing providers to grassroots education programs, the opportunities for collaboration are limitless—and we're welcoming new members to our network every day.

If you're interested in learning more about how First Book Canada can support your programming and explore a potential partnership, we’d love to hear from you.

Message us today atcanada@firstbook.org