Ensuring more communities across Australia have access to books, BIG W is extending its in-store Free Books for Kids program by donating 40,000 books to 100 regional and remote schools,
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Mount Isa didn't miss out with 400 books being given to the students of Mount Isa Central State School on October 17.
BIG W's initial Free Books for Kids trial program in February unearthed hundreds of passionate customers in rural communities limited by distance to a physical store, prompting the retailer to partner with charity organisation, Good360, to distribute books to as many schools as possible.
BIG W's Category Manager for Books Meredith Drake said as one of Australia's leading book retailers, BIG W's aim was to make books accessible for all Australian children.
"If you give kids access to books, their potential is unlimited. We wanted to ensure that as many children in remote communities as possible were given the opportunity to read and enjoy these wonderful stories," Ms Drake said.
The donation of books included two of the Aussie themed titles from the program; The Great Barbie Disaster and How to Talk to a Frill Neck Lizard.
"Authored and illustrated by Australian talent, the books are the perfect first chapter book experience for kids aged five to eight years old," Ms Drake said.
Author of The Great Barbie Disaster, Tania Ingram said she was proud to be a part of this important initiative.
"Reading at a young age is so important to spark imaginations, expand vocabulary and set young children up for a bright future," Ms Ingram said.
Good360 Founder and Managing Director Alison Covington said all Australian children should have the chance to enjoy reading books.
"We are very excited to be partnering with BIG W to extend this fantastic initiative to remote communities, getting more books into the hands of more children," Ms Covington said.
BIG W is giving away more than 2.5 million books in-store over an 8 week period. Visit www.bigw.com.au/free-books-for-kids for more information.
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