“The more we offer reading to children, the more they want it,” says the president of the organization, Tammi Martel. We have a responsibility to find them, either with book donations, or by obtaining grants or monetary donations that allow us to purchase them.”
“Once Upon a Twice”’s mission is to make access to reading more equitable in the federal capital. Its main means of achieving this is the collection of used books.
“We will distribute books particularly in more disadvantaged neighborhoods, where children often have less access to books. Either because parents cannot afford to buy them or because they do not have access to the municipal library,” explains Ms. Martel.
“Research shows that having books at home means that you will read them and reread them. Parents will perhaps be more involved. This is how you develop your vocabulary and your confidence,” adds the president of the organization.
Before redistributing the books received, we ensure that they are appropriate for children aged 0 to 12, but also that they are in good condition.
At the Atlético match
Last Sunday, for example, “Once Upon a Twice” was present at the Atlético d’Ottawa match as part of the team’s event to mark Franco-Ontarian Day. Spectators at this game offered 128 books, but only 12 of them met the criteria established by the organization.
This is the third year that Atlético has invited “Twice Upon a Time” to one of its home games. In addition to allowing them to achieve one of their largest annual collections, the team also promoted the match and their partnership with the organization.
“We were lucky enough to have an interview at CTV Morning Live. We filmed promotion for the match in the bookstore At the Book Cornerwith Rayane Yesli and Zachary Roy, underlines Tammi Martel. The more we can inform people of our existence, the more books and donations we can receive to help more people in Ottawa.”
