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Encouraging Kids To Read In Memory Of A Loved One

Cathy Telfer holds a picture of her sister, Sandy Parker. (Contributed photo)

A Chatham woman is honouring the memory of her late sister by supporting a program that encourages young children to read.

Cathy Telfer, a member of the Kiwanis Club of Chatham-Kent, has established a fundraiser that will finance the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program in the community. Every dollar donated to the fundraiser between October 1 and December 31 will be matched up to a total of $5,000.

The fundraiser is being held in memory of Telfer’s sister, Sandy Parker of Brantford, who recently passed away at age 67 following a lifetime of serious health issues.

Telfer said reading was very important to her sister and she felt supporting Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library monthly book gifting program was a great way to honour her.

As part of the Imagination Library program, children up to five years old are mailed a high-quality, age-appropriate book each month. While the books are free to families, they cost approximately $45 per year which is covered by the Kiwanis Club.

According to the Kiwanis Club, more than 400 children in Chatham-Kent have enrolled in the program.

Anyone who wishes to make a donation in support of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Chatham-Kent can do so online by clicking here. Donors are asked to dedicate their donation in memory of Sandy Parker and include their email address to receive a tax receipt.