Edmonton
 Chapter

About Room To Read Chapters

Room to Read depends on our chapter leaders and chapter members to help us achieve our annual fundraising goal and to represent Room to Read. Our chapters are comprised of groups of individuals who have made a long-term volunteer commitment to promoting Room to Read within their networks and communities. The chapters organize annual fundraising events, introduce us to potential corporate, foundation and individual supporters and act as representatives for Room to Read within their area.

About the 
Edmonton
 Chapter

Welcome to the Edmonton Chapter! Our volunteers became inspired to get involved with Room to Read after hearing John Wood speak about Room to Read and its mission, after reading his book, or after learning about Room to Read from a Room to Read fan.
The Chapter was formed in June 2008. It had its Launch event in Nov. 2008 at the new Lois Hole Library. We were honoured to have Jim Hole as the Guest Speaker. Laurie Greenwood was the M.C.
Our goals for 2009 include holding a major fund raising event plus several smaller more intimate events. We also hope to get schools excited about doing fund raising for Room to Read.

Meet the 
Edmonton
 Chapter Leaders

Pat Nelson
Pat Nelson is a retired Librarian who became excited about Room to Read after reading Leaving Microsoft to Change the World and later by hearing John Wood speak about the goals and accomplishments of the organization. Pat worked in a library with a large multicultural community-- this convinced her of the value of the Local Language Publishing Program.
Dave Fritz
Dave Fritz, Chapter Co-Leader, became interested in Room to Read after picking up John Wood's book while on a family vacation. Dave is the Regional Manager of an International restaurant chain, a hockey coach for his son's team, and the busy parent of two children who have been involved with school projects to raise money for Room to Read.
Cheryl Renzenbrink
Cheryl a local event planner heard John Wood speak in Calgary. Impressed with his vision for the future of children and education, spoke to John, she purchased his book and helped create the Edmonton Chapter. A mother of four she values education and reading- they shape children's opinions of the world and how they fit into it. Bringing these opportunities to underdeveloped countries excites her.
Tara Forman
Tara is the webmaster for our Chapter. She is studying Library Science at the U of A and will shortly graduate with her MLIS degree. Tara works for the Strathcona County Library.

Upcoming Events

Kids - Join the Zak Pack!

Zak the Yak wants you to read books to help other children get books....

October 2010 - Room to Read-A-Thon in Edmonton & Area

We invite children in Edmonton and area to read books in October 2010 and ask friends and family to sponsor their reading by making pledges to Room to Read.  Money raised will be used to buy books for Room to Read libraries in Zambia.

Watch for more details about the Room to Read-A-Thon and Read-In events in the near future!




 

Event Photos

slideshow
     

Past Events

November 2008
The Chapter had its Launch Event in November 2008. MC Laurie Greenwood and Guest Speaker Jim Hole celebrated the love of reading and the value of literacy in the beautiful new Lois Hole Library.

May 2009
Terry Heidt set a Guinness World Record, Step-Ups with a 40 lb. pack on his back at West Edmonton Mall.  Proceeds raised were donated to Room to Read.

May 2009

On Mother's Day the Edmonton Chapter sponsored a "Stuff a Sack on a Yak" promotional event about Room to Read, and Storytellers at the Valley Zoo.

October 2009

John Wood wows Edmonton - Oct. 5-6, 2009

John Wood, Founder of Room To Read, spent two hectic days in Edmonton. Starting with a luncheon on Monday attended by 125 people.  The luncheon included a Room to Read Song by local musician, Emo Leblanc  and a presentation to Room to Read from a group whose library received books from Room to Read. John Wood made a passionate appeal for support for Room to Read.  Tuesday started early with an interview on Breakfast TV, a Read-In Event where John read Room to Read books to sixty elementary school students and a public presentation in the University of Alberta bookstore attended by more than 100 people.  The response at all events was phenomenal!

Thanks John for coming to Edmonton to tell us the Room to Read story...

We wish to give  big thanks to the sponsors who made our events a success.

Event Sponsors:

March 2010

Girls Night Out - Arabian Nights

We had a fun night with dinner, a silent auction and belly dancing entertainment.  Thanks to everyone who attended and to our event sponsors:  Pivotal Events Ltd., Sutton Place Hotel, Blase Decor, and Edmontonians.

Project Read

An evening at Blush Lounge including a Silent Auction raised money for a library in Laos.

May 2010

Nova Musica Spring Concert

The orchestra dedicated its concert to Room to Read, donations were accepted at the door.  Thanks very much to Conductor Bill Dimmer and the wonderful musicians.

June 2010

Beers for Books

We had a fabulous relaxing evening at Ceili's pub, northside, thanks to the wonderful staff at Ceili's for hosting t he event  and 2IslandGirls  for wonderful entertainment.  We raised enough money to buy more than 1000 books for children in India.  Thanks to all our supporters!

 

Get Involved with the Chapter!

Volunteer with your local chapter: We're thrilled to hear of your interest in getting involved with the chapter! Volunteering with a Room to Read chapter is not only a great way to help further Room to Read's mission, but also to meet new people! Volunteer opportunities include helping to plan events, giving small presentations about Room to Read's work, and introducing Room to Read to new supporters! If you would like to learn more, please update your profile by filling out the Volunteer Form.

Organize your own fundraiser or start an online campaign: Whether you’re running a race, encouraging wedding guests to donate in lieu of gifts, hosting a party at your home, or raising money just because you believe in our mission, the personalized fundraising tool will allow you share the Room to Read story with your friends and family through your own web pages and email messages. You can also track the success of your email campaigns and your progress towards your fundraising goal. Check out our Friends Asking Friends section!

 

Chapters

Our chapters raise 1/3 of our budget so more dollars fund our programs.  Help them, help us!

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