Recap of CYA fundraiser and book drive

         From November 26^th-28^th, the CYA held a fundraiser and book drive at the iSchool in support of the Children’s Book Bank, a charitable organization that provides free books and literacy support to children who attend schools in Toronto’s Regent Park community. During this event, the CYA successfully raised $400 and collected a big box of books! We attribute this success to the efforts and generosity of CYA members and the larger iSchool community. A month before the event, the CYA promoted the fundraiser and book drive on Facebook, the CYA mailing list, MISC digest and posters around the iSchool. During the fundraiser, CYA had tables set up in the iSchool lobby and CYA members volunteered their time selling beautiful handmade items crafted by the Stitch n Bitch group. Some of the items sold include hats, flower pins, a headband, shawl, cowl, tea towel and a kindle case.

The CYA also raised money by selling tickets for raffle prizes. A raffle ticket could be bought with a $2 donation and 3 raffle tickets could be bought with a $5 donation. Those who donated new or gently used children’s book for the book drive received 3 raffle tickets per book.

There were 4 prizes to be won:

Grand Prize - Winter Care Basket, containing:

- handknit hat

- chocolate fondue set

- diffuser with vanilla scent

- two hardcover books: Marley & Me by John Grogan, Irma Voth by Miriam Toews

- MISC travel mug for hot beverage

- winter-themed mug

- assorted travel-sized body lotions

- two MISC shot glasses

- assorted chocolates and candies

Second Prize: MISC Organic Tote Bag containing MISC merch:

- water bottle

- USB key

- travel mug

- mug

- shot glass

Third Prize:

- MISC USB key

- MISC mug

- MISC water bottle

- MISC shot glass

Fourth Prizes:

-  five winners received one MISC USB key each

The prizes for the draw were generously donated by CYA members and MISC council.

The CYA remains committed to raising awareness about the information needs of children and youth populations to the larger iSchool community. We thank everyone who contributed to the success of the fundraiser and book drive!

-- contributed by Ramona Sansait, CYA co-chair