The City of Saskatoon’s All In For Literacy Day got a rousing start this morning (Tues) with the announcement of a $2.25-million donation from Catherine Weenk and Pat Boot for the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation’s All In campaign.

Executive Director, Zeba Ahmad, says All In supports young learners struggling with reading, many of whom are experiencing life challenges beyond their control.

She adds that since 2013, and including today’s announcement, Catherine Weenk and Pat Boot have contributed over $3.75-million to the foundation.

Both of them grew up in Saskatoon and after graduating from the University of Saskatoon, they worked in Canada for a number of years, then in the mid-90s, moved to Asia to work for almost 20 years before moving back.

The City of Saskatoon has proclaimed today (Tues) All In for Literacy Day.

Ahmad says literacy has a profound impact over a lifetime, but three in ten of Saskatoon’s children do not reach the key literacy milestone of reading at a Grade 3 levely by Grade 3.

In some neighbourhoods, up to 60 per cent of students don’t reach that milestone. That’s where the Foundation comes in.

It supports additional programming for teachers and staff to ensure all children can improve their literacy skills.

In celebration of the day, the Saskatoon Public Schools Foundation is hosting an activity and literacy field trip for elementary students on 21st Street East, between 3rd and 4th Avenue South.

The public portion will be over the lunch hour, including some announcements and a barbecue.  It’s $5.00 for a burger and pop with proceeds going to All In. Smoke’s poutinerie will donate $2 from every poutine sold to the All In campaign.