Barclays Capital Demonstrates Corporate Citizenship
Since 2007, Barclays Capital has quickly become one of our largest corporate sponsors and a tremendous help and resource to Room to Read, particularly for our UK office. With an investment focus on libraries and local language publishing titles in Cambodia, Vietnam and South Africa, Barclays Capital has enabled Room to Read to advance toward our goal of establishing over 10,000 libraries throughout the developing world by 2010. Beyond financial support, Barclays Capital and their employees have offered
their expertise, resources and time to volunteer at Room to Read events, and
have made key introductions on our behalf to potential supporters and partners.
Kevin Wall, Barclays Capital's Charities Committee Chair says, "Room to Read
fits well with Barclays Capital's aims and values. We are proud to support their
work with money and with other support. We look forward to seeing the positive
effects of our investment in these communities for many years to come. We're
also delighted to have opportunities to get involved in other ways. Barclays
Capital is committed to encouraging and supporting the charitable activities of
its employees who devote their time and resources to helping good causes. This
is part of our responsibility as a good corporate citizen, as an employer, and
as a firm that believes in initiative and partnership." >> Visit our Partners
page to learn more about our corporate investors The Republic of Tea Unveils New Line of Children's Teas for Room to Read
The Republic of Tea, the innovative company that sparked a revolution of specialty and premium teas, has chosen Room to Read as its nonprofit partner for their new tea line, Little Citizens' Herb Teas. The teas, launched to the public on January 18, is the first line of naturally caffeine-free, organic Rooibos based, Fair Trade Certified herbal teas for children. The collection offers three flavors, including: Strawberry Vanilla, Tangerine
and Apple Cherry. For every tin of Little Citizens' Herb Teas sold, The Republic
of Tea will contribute $1 to Room to Read, in its goal to establish a bi-lingual
library for underprivileged children in South Africa, as well as help Room to
Read establish libraries in other countries in need. Look out for the teas and
complementary accessory line in your local gourmet store or supermarket. >> Visit www.republicoftea.com for more
information or to purchase online Mack the Yak: How Santa Clara Promoted Literacy
Read Santa Clara, an organization that provides free literacy instruction and support to English-speaking adults in the City of Santa Clara, sent Room to Read an email that got our attention. It started: "Dear John and Room to Read staff - Would you have use for a YAK?"The Yak, named "Mack the Yack," was a 7-ft money-eating yak created by Read Santa Clara that traveled around the community collecting dollars, cents and checks for Room to Read in order to establish a library in Nepal. Dear John and Room to Read staff - Would you have use for a YAK? The Yak, named "Mack the Yack," was a 7-ft money-eating yak created by Read
Santa Clara that traveled around the community collecting dollars, cents and
checks for Room to Read in order to establish a library in Nepal. So far, Read Santa Clara has donated $6,000 to Room to Read but it is Mack
who is making a big impression on the local community through his appearances at
the local library, local yard sale, and even working the phones at his desk!
Read Santa Clara put together a humorous video showing the star-power of Mack
the Yak around town and they are now trying to find a new future home for him -
with Room to Read's help! >> Learn more about how to get involved with Room to Read
Vanxay Loves to Read! The following story, by our Program Officer in Salavan Province, Laos,
tells of his visit to the Khanchone Primary School. The school, which serves two
local villages and 230 students, was greatly improved and expanded by Room to
Read to complement our newly established school library there. "I am Mr. Sinthavong. During a recent field trip I went to visit the
Khanchone Primary School and spoke with many children. I was encouraged to see
them enjoying reading books and happy. I met one student, Vanxay, an 11-year-old
boy who just loves reading books and studies so hard each day in school. He was
born into a poor family but he is very enthusiastic about learning and values
his education. If Vanxay has free time on weekends, he encourages his friend to
read with him in the school corridor or among the trees in the shade. He told me
that on average, he reads 35 books each month and he has to borrow books to read
with his family as well. Vanxay said to me, 'I am very happy now that we have
many books to read. Before, there were no books at my school and I always asked
when my school would get more new books.' I answered him, ‘Room to Read is
planning to publish 16 titles of new books and after we print them, we will send
copies to your school as soon as possible.'" By the end of 2008, Room to Read
provided over 250 new books to Khanchone Primary School, so Vanxay can now read
as often as he would like! >> Learn more about our Reading Room library program
 Jump start our programs in Bangladesh!
Together we can start making a positive difference in the lives of deserving
children, families and communities in Bangladesh. >> Donate
to our programs in Bangladesh |