This initial project was the first of a series that partnered the Kiwanis Clubs of Niagara with the ECCDC and child care providers in Niagara with the aim of enhancing children's development before they start school.

For this Literacy Project, Kiwanis Clubs of Niagara adopted 140 Licensed Child Care Centres across the Region and provided them with over 5000 new books and learning materials designed to foster children's literacy. They also volunteered countless hours making minor repairs to toys and equipment and reading and interacting with over 6000 children enrolled within these child care centres.

Kiwanis joined forces with the ECCDC to help secure funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and power the administrative aspect of the project. Kiwanis volunteers worked closely with Literacy Link Niagara and Preschool Speech & Language Program (Speech Services Niagara) to help select appropriate books for purchase.

For more information, click here for full Media Release: Kiwanis Clubs of Niagara Launch New Project to Get Kids Hooked on Reading; February 6 2006.