Well, it may be mid-winter but this is also one of the most active times for learners and tutors. With active learners, one needs a constant supply of learning materials.

In the last column, we looked at five areas where we may get reading materials donated. Today, I want to discuss other areas that may be available to obtain learning materials.

When looking for suitable learning materials, you should approach a group or organization that is currently in the business or has recently cut their programs. Laubach Literacy of Canada, ABC Canada and the Community Colleges are good sources.

Laubach Literacy and ABC Canada are volunteer organizations that have developed learning materials. Check with them to see if they can help your material drive. You may be able to borrow or purchase materials from them,

Check with the community college that services your area. It may have materials that can be lent out on an on-loan basis. The Literacy Outreach Centre in Grand Falls-Windsor has a great supply of basic literacy materials. Staff are very helpful and will loan materials. They can be reached at (709) 489-4844 (ask for Lillian or Harv).

When looking for learning materials, always check the yellow pages under LEARN. Make contact with any organization that you can and form partnerships to develop your learning resources.

Some of the best resources available are created by learners themselves. The information created is always relevant and interesting. Stories about personal experiences can be shared among groups. They do not have to be fancy, it would be beneficial to have the stories typed as they are much easier to read. Volunteers may compile learner stories for you and package them at very reasonable costs. Other learner groups in the province may want to share their stories as well. Best of Luck in your search for materials.

The Breakfast Bunch

Tremendous response to Avalon Mall program

The Breakfast Bunch is a community initiative project spearheaded by The Village Mall and sponsored by a group of community partners.

During one Saturday a month since October, The Performers of Literacy have been performing a show in The Village Food Court. Children attending the shows receive a free milk or juice and a muffin. Children are awarded for their attendance with a free book for every two Breakfast Bunch shows they attend.

"The Breakfast Bunch represents our commitment to promoting literacy in our community," says Michelle Newton. Marketing Coordinator at The Village.

To date, The Breakfast Bunch membership has grown to more than 190 kids.

"The second Breakfast Bunch in November was packed," says Ms. Newton. "it was astonishing. We had 120 new members and had 55 children return from the first program which meant they received a free book."

The books, which are distributed to the kids, are being collected through a community drive called Adopt-A-Book, run in conjunction with Coles at The Village.

"By calling on corporations and individuals to meet the challenge of Adopting-A-Book, we hope to collect sufficient quantities of children's books for free distribution to the children," says Ms. Newton. "Any extra books will be donated to The Literacy Development Council for distribution."

Reaction to the program has been very positive.

"Parents are astounded that a shopping centre has the concern to look towards literacy," she says. "I find the reaction to be very positive with a lot of questions like, 'Where did this idea come from? We think it's really great and can't believe that it's free'."

The program was developed by Ms. Newton and inspired by her ability to read at an early age.

"I had seen the Performers for Literacy do a play in Ottawa and I thought it was really great," she says. "I was brought up on reading and could read since I was three. It was a combination of these things that made me think I would like to do a literacy promotion that would span a couple of months, I wanted to get the kids involved because reading is a big problem. Overall, this program is better for the community."

The Breakfast Bunch partners include The Literacy Development Council, The Sterling Group of Companies and SGS. Three Village Mall tenants, A&W, Tim Horton's and Coles also take part.

The next Breakfast Bunch will be held February 22.