Month: April 2017

April 25, 2017

Lt Governor offically opens library in Bella Bella

BC Lt. Governor Judith Guichon was on hand March 26 to officially open the new library in Bella Bella. There is quite a story involved. Last year the library burned down under mysterious circumstances. It was housed in the town’s grocery store and cafe, which were forced to close as well. This forced island residents to take the ferry to Port Hardy just to buy groceries.

As the long process of restoration commenced, the Write to Read team went straight into action. Project coordinator Bob Blacker, along with RCMP Chief Superintendent
Dave Critchley, BritCo Structures Christoph Neufeld, and Brian Van Sickle of TLD Computers (London Drugs) flew to the community and made urgent arrangements to get a new library opened as soon as possible. The local champion in Bella Bella is Jess Housty, who coordinator the procedures. But how to get a library built?

Once again, BritCo stepped up to the plate and delivered. Yes indeed, BritCo donated yet another modular trailer to the cause! But there remained the issue of getting a 40-foot building from their Langley construction to Bella Bella, which is halfway up the BC Coast. This is where BC Ferries came in, offering to deliver the structure aboard one of their ferries at no charge. So Write to Read welcomes aboard a new partner in the project, BC Ferries.

There remained the issue of getting new books selected and sorted, which was done by the always reliable Write to Read Library Team. The final piece to put into place was the official opening by the senior partner in the entire campaign, the Lt. Governor. Her honour flew into Bella Bella this week and attended the official
library opening. Look for more good news on more library openings this spring and summer.

April 25, 2017

Lt. Governor opens new library in Oweekeno

Lt. Governor Judy Guichon will be in attendance in late April for the opening of Write to Read’s newest library at Oweekeno (or Rivers Inlet as it also known). Located south of Bella Bella on the coast, Oweekeno is home to 280 members of the Wuikinuxv Nation, many of whom live off reserve. Currently the band has an administration office, a health centre, a K7 school, a firehall, an airstrip and a Big House for ceremonies. And now a library.

A modular building has been donated by prime Write to Read sponsor Britco Structures in partnership with the Lionsgate Rotary Club of North Vancouver who donated the computers and furniture. The Jack Gin Foundation supplied funding for the transportation of the module. Several Vancouver businesses assisted with installation and construction and the LRT (Library Response Team, shown in photo with Her Honour, centre) oversaw the implementation of a catalogue system and trained the local library volunteers.

According to W2R Project Coordinator Bob Blacker, the delivery of the Oweekeno library has been quite a challenge due to the remoteness of the community and the inlet’s shallow waters. The overall cost of the entire project, including delivery, has worked out to $68,250. Estimates of the total costs of each library vary due to circumstance, but the approximate cost of each project is between $30,000 and $50,000, an extremely low cost considering the many benefits to all concerned.

Not only are thousands of books (appropriate for children) delivered to a community that could never afford them, but computers connected to the Internet allow the kids to gain necessary computer literacy. Perhaps most important is the direct link made between remote communities and urban business groups like the Rotary clubs that are participating. These are equal partnerships based on trust, allowing for future dialogue and new endeavours.

Libraries are scheduled to be built at many more remote aboriginal communities around the province in the next few years depending on sponsorship. Companies, individuals and organizations interested in donating to the Write to Read Project are encouraged to contact Andrew Robinson at the Government House Foundation at 250-356-1829. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt. Donors contributing $10,000 or more are invited to an annual reception and may have their names associated with the libraries.

For media queries, or more information about getting involved with Write to Read as a volunteer, or contribute to the website, or to assist with publicity, please call Write to Read editor Michael McCarthy at 604-441-1846 or email editor@writetoreadproject.org.

April 25, 2017

Another successful library opening in Oweekeno

Good things take time. So delivering a library to Oweekeno, also known as Rivers Inlet, and having an official opening with the Lt. Governor of the province of B.C., was a challenge that certainly took some time to accomplish. However, as promised, her Honour Lt. Governor Judy Guichon was in attendance at the library opening April 24th completing yet another Write to Read library project.

Presiding at the ribbon cutting along with Her Honour were Chief Rose Hackett, elder Emma who blessed the building, and Lionsgate Rotary President Peter Hansen. They were joined at a dinner at the Big House by navy crew members of HMCS Calgary, where Executive Officer Lt. Commander Josh Yanchus was presented a ceremonial paddle by the Chief. Local youth were invited to spend four hours as a guest of the captain and crew of the HMCS Calgary as they sailed the Rivers Inlet area. Also in attendance were members of the RCMP on their regular visit to Oweekeno.
This library was sponsored by the members of the Lionsgate Rotary Club of North Vancouver, who raised the funds necessary to make it all happen. As with every library completed to date, the modular building was donated by Britco Structures of Langley. The LRT (Library Response Team) supervised the selection and cataloguing of books. The library will be operated by the Oweekeno community, who will employ a librarian to supervise the building.
Oweekeno is located south of Bella Bella on the coast, a remote location accessible only by boat or plane. Write to Read Project Coordinator, Rotarian Bob Blacker, reports that the North Arm Barge Company delivered the trailer, but at commercial rates. BC Ferries has been kind to assist with other deliveries along the coast, like Old Massett, although they were not involved in this project.
The total estimated cost of the project was $60,000 of which $20,000 was needed for the transportation of the module into the village. A generous donation from the Jack Gin Foundation enabled the team to pay for transportation of the module from Vancouver to Rivers Inlet.

April 25, 2017

North Van Rotary club completes aboriginal literacy project

While national headlines shout out continued controversy over Bill C-33, the federal government’s proposed aboriginal education legislation that has been shelved after rejection by many aboriginal leaders, a small North Vancouver group has quietly accomplished its own aboriginal education project that may serve as a model for those interested in native education. . The Lionsgate Rotary Club of North Vancouver has successfully completed the delivery and installation of a library in the remote community of Oweekeno (Rivers Inlet) on the B.C. coast.
“I had the honour and privilege of visiting the village myself last year,” says club member Elizabeth Chong, “and realized their dire need for assistance with literacy. Remote communities like Oweekeno are ‘off the map’ in many ways. Our Lionsgate club decided immediately we would partner with the village through the Write to Read Project by providing a library, books, computers and Internet access.”
“Our club got excited last year when we first learned about this new literacy initiative started by Government House,” says Shirley Robertson. “Rotary is well known for its work in developing countries, but here was a chance to make a difference right in our own back yard.”
The Write to Read Project (W2R) was founded a few years by former Lt. Governor Steven Point, now retired. His successor, Her Honour Judy Guichon, has enthusiastically endorsed the project, attending the opening of three new libraries and promising to attend official ceremonies as many new libraries are built.
It was former Lt. Governor Point, an aboriginal judge, who understood the urgent need for literacy in aboriginal communities. The growth rate of the aboriginal population in Canada is five times the national average, with half the aboriginal population now under 25 years of age. Three out of five aboriginal communities are isolated, and as many as 100,000 aboriginal people have no connection to an urban centre. Almost 50 percent of aboriginal adults have no recognized educational qualifications. The average on-reserve income per year is $14,000. The youth suicide rate is six times the Canadian average. It’s a simmering volcano waiting to explode.
Lionsgate Rotary club president Peter Hansen, who attended the library opening in Oweekeno, says his club’s involvement in the Write to Read Project has been most gratifying. “We highly encourage other Rotary clubs around the province to get involved with this terrific initiative. This has been a very successful experience.”

Lionsgate Rotary Club members urge other clubs to participate in W2R Project:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0rM7Y2Afto&feature=youtu.be

April 25, 2017

Camera Buildings donates a library

Photo credit: Camera Buildings 2013

Thanks to the publicity created by a documentary about Write to Read broadcast on CBC TV recently, a Vancouver-area builder has offered to donate a library to our project. John McFarlane watched the TV program and thought perhaps his company could help. Western Camera Buildings constructs tiny buildings designed to be used as offices, storage facilities – or even as a library!

The building his company is donating is a compact, 107-square foot studio with built-in shelving that would arrive fully finished. Since it was their show model, it comes with cedar rainscreen cladding, R20 insulation, tilt-and-turn windows, and high-efficiency LED lighting. John says it was made to be easily transported without requiring highway permits, can be moved by ferry or barge, and would only require a block or pier foundation and an electrical connection on site.

There are several First Nations communities that have discussed their interest in joining the W2R project, and no doubt this wonderful donation will be suitable for one of them. The value of the donation is over $25,000 and is greatly appreciated. Those with an interest in small buildings should take a look at the Camera Buildings Facebook site and give some thought as to how such a compact structure would fit into their own plans.

Check them out at https://www.facebook.com/CameraBuildings. If you are interested in making any sort of donation, please feel free to contact us at your convenience.

April 25, 2017

New library donation explained by the builder in 2014

When John McFarlane, president of Western Camera Buildings (camera means small room in latin) saw a program about the Write to Read Project profiled on CBC TV, he realized that his company might be in a position to help. Western Camera makes tiny portable units that can be used for a variety of purposes, like an office, studio, home or a library. His show unit was sitting in storage, so he decided to donate it to our literacy initiative. The unit has a value of $25,000, which is a most generous gift indeed.

A tour of the tiny building (8 by 12 feet) shows that it is portable, easy to transport, easy to install on a pad or concrete block, and comes fully wired for easy Internet connection. Solar power can also be added at an additional cost for those remote aboriginal communities that are dependent on diesel fuel for electricity.

The very high ceilings and multiple windows give the impression of roominess and lots of light. There is space for the installation of two computers at one end of the room. Bookshelves line both walls. Children will no doubt perceive it as something of a “hobbit house,” with room enough for perhaps half a dozen kids to read at the same time. There is sufficient shelving for thousands of books. In a word, the design is perfect for Write to Read.

The total cost of a library like this, including solar power and computers and books and Internet connection, delivered and installed to any destination in British Columbia, would be $50,000. Companies, groups and individuals interested in supporting the Write to Read Project and donating to the cost of a library are encouraged to contact project coordinator Bob Blacker at bobblackerri@gmail.com.

The Write to Read Project is administered by the Government House Foundation in Victoria. All donations are eligible for a tax receipt according to Canada Revenue Agency regulations. For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.bcgovhousefoundation.ca. Alternatively, you can call the Foundation office at 250-356-1829.

April 25, 2017

UBC Dentistry supports Malahat project with free clinic in 2014

While the Write to Read Project’s main focus is on improving aboriginal literacy, the overall mission is to “build partnerships between urban professionals and aboriginal communities in rural areas.” Thanks to the strong connections that many members of Rotary have built in the business communities in which they work, the UBC School of Dentistry has been holding dental clinics annually in participating Write to Read First Nations locations. Click here to find out from Dean Chuck Schuler why the university supports Write to Read.

This week, the graduating students can be found in the community of Malahat on Vancouver Island, south of Duncan. The Malahat First Nation will soon be officially opening its Write to Read library, incorporating yet another modular building donated by Britco Structures. The overall project was designed by Write to Read volunteer architect Scott Kemp. Volunteers from many different professions are welcome to join the project.

April 25, 2017

Project Leader explains connections between dental work and literacy

Write to Read Project Coordinator Bob Blacker explains (click here) that every First Nations community with whom we have partnered is welcome to request free dental care from another W2R partner, the UBC School of Dentistry. At the new Malahat community centre where W2R has established a library (to be officially opened by her Honour Lt. Governor Judy Guichon soon) UBC Dentistry recently organized a 3-day clinic to offer dental care to the members of the community.

April 25, 2017

Dentist explains connection to Write to Read

Dentist and Rotarian Dr. Doug Neilson (click here) attending a dental clinic at the Malahat First Nation, explains the history between Rotary, Write to Read, UBC School of Dentistry and participating First Nations communities. For many years Rotarians have been hosting dental clinics in developing countries. For instance, recently Rotary sent 5 containers of mobile dental equipment to the Philippines, where 25 people travelled carrying 2 bags each, including folding dental chairs. Then they heard about the need for dental care at First Nations communities in BC. They held their first dental clinic at Penalikut, an island reserve near Chemainus, in 2009. The Malahat clinic represents the 5^th year they have visited with First Nations communities participating in the Write to Read Project.

April 25, 2017

Fort Rupert Library set to open this week in 2014

The Library Response Team strikes again! Once again the LRT has been in action, this time at Fort Rupert, a First Nation community just outside Port Hardy where they spent the week setting up for a new library. The word is they have nothing but HIGH PRAISE and respect for everyone they met in the community, especially the volunteers who assisted in setting up the library.

Of course, the Fort Rupert community was very gracious is handling all accommodations for the team. The Write to Read libraries would not be possible except for the cooperation between all parties involved. Special thanks to Barb, Carol and Bonnie and Margaret for creating the library system. Everyone is now looking forward to meeting Her Honour Lt Governor Judy Guichon when the library is officially opened this week.

Aside from cataloguing and shelving, it appears somebody made a precise account of all the books donated. Apparently the exact number of books available for loan is 3,458! So another thanks must go to old those fine folks who helped out by donating the books in the first place. Happy reading!
– Easy Fiction 706
– Easy Non Fiction 47
– Board Books 120
– Adult Fiction 548
– Youth Fiction 1,309
– Non-Fiction 703
– Reference 24
– First Nation 202