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Walker Books reach £30,000 fundraising target for the National Literacy Trust
15 Dec 2010
Children’s independent publisher Walker Books and the National Literacy Trust are delighted to announce that Walker Books has raised £30,000 for the charity’s work to support the literacy of children and adults across the UK.
This year Walker Books decided to mark their 30th anniversary as a ‘year of giving’. The company wanted to give back to the community and the National Literacy Trust’s mission to transform lives through literacy was an ideal fit as it sits at the very heart of Walker Books. The two organisations have been working together for many years with the shared goals of putting books into the hands of all children, but particularly those who may not have otherwise discovered the joys of reading.
One of the most exciting days for both Walker and the Trust was the 15th anniversary celebration of the charity’s book gifting project which was attended by National Literacy Trust patron Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall. Walker helped to make the day extraordinary by involving some of their most prominent authors and illustrators – not to mention characters Elmer Elephant and Walker Bear – who got to meet Her Royal Highness and engaged in fun activities with the children.
The most successful fundraising activity that Walker Books took part as part of their 30th birthday campaign was the Where’s Wally? run around Greenwich Park in London this past summer. The event was officially known as the Superheroes Dash but they asked if Wally of Where’s Wally fame could be classed as a superhero. In all there were 25 people dressed up as Wally - and two dogs - and the event raised over £7,000.
In October a charity book sale was held at the global headquarters of Barclays in Canary Wharf. The event was a huge success with £3,810 raised on the day. With additional donations of £3,750 from Barclays community team the grand total was a hugely impressive £7,560!
Jo Humphries-Davies, the Trade Marketing Manager and Fundraising Co-ordinator at Walker Books says:
“In January, as part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, Walker Books pledged to raise £30,000 for the National Literacy Trust. And we’ve done it! It’s a wonderful Christmas present for us all and I’d like to thank everyone at Walker for being so determined to achieve this goal and congratulate everyone on a fantastic year of fundraising – it’s a wonderful way to have celebrated 30 years of Walker Books.”
Lianna Ovenden, Corporate Development Manager at the National Literacy Trust says:
“We are so grateful to Walker Books, and especially want to thank Jo and her team for their tireless energy and enthusiasm. Everybody who has supported the campaign, from big to small, has contributed to the incredible achievement of Walker hitting the target of £30,000.
I know the team has had great fun and their sense of enthusiasm has been contagious for the charity as well. We have truly enjoyed supporting Walker and look forward to bringing this amazing experience to other partnerships. With one in six in the UK struggling with literacy this money will enable us to support these people to develop the skills they need to live happy, successful and fulfilling lives.”
If you would like to support the National Literacy Trust, why not give the gift of reading this Christmas? The money will go towards buying books for disadvantaged children in the UK who don’t have books of their own. Please visit www.literacytrust.org.uk/christmas to donate today.
Ends
For more information please contact Anna Lindsay, Public Relations Officer at the National Literacy Trust on 020 7820 6256 or email Anna.Lindsay@literacytrust.org.uk
Notes to Editors
1. About the National Literacy Trust
The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that transforms lives through literacy. We believe that society will only be fair when everyone has the literacy skills they need to communicate, to fulfil their potential and to contribute more to society. We campaign to improve public understanding of the vital importance of literacy, as well as delivering projects and working in partnership to reach those most in need of support.
To help us transform lives through literacy, you can make a donation or support our work. To find out how visit http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/support
National Literacy Trust is a registered charity no. 1116260, and a company limited by guarantee, no. 5836486. Registered in England and Wales. Registered address: 68 South Lambeth Road, London SW8 1RL. Tel: 020 7587 1842
2. About Walker Books
Walker Books is the world’s leading independent publisher of children’s books and is part of a vibrant international group that includes Candlewick Press in America, and Walker Books Australia. Founded in 1980 Walker now publishes over 300 books a year across all genres, while remaining true to its original ethos: the pursuit of excellence. Walker Books is home to many award-winning authors and illustrators including Anthony Horowitz, Martin Handford and Tommy Donbavand. Further information can be found at www.walker.co.uk.
