ScottishPower is urging primary school pupils in Scotland to swap books as part of their Swap Shop initiative designed to encourage reading and raise money for charity.
The award winning programme has already seen over 5,500 book swaps as well as donating thousands of pounds to local charities.
Now in its fourth year, ScottishPower is urging schools to sign up for pupils to exchange books and donate 50 pence per swap. The money raised will be given to Aberlour, a children’s charity that provides help to over 6,000 of Scotland’s most vulnerable children, young people and their families each year.
Every school that participates will also have the opportunity to win a visit from a leading children’s author who will be participating in the Edinburgh International Book Festival.
In 2011, Port Ellen Primary School on the Isle of Islay was selected as the winner and the school received a visit from acclaimed author Vivian French.
Ann Loughrey, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at ScottishPower, said: “Over 5,500 books have been swapped over the last three years thanks to the Swap Shop initiative and this year we hope that even more pupils will take the opportunity to share their most treasured stories with their classmates.
“Swap Shop has proven to be a fantastic, interactive project that not only encourages pupils to read more but also allows them to engage with other students and it is great that in the process they raise money for such a worthwhile charity.”
Sadie McKinlay, Sponsorship and Development Manager at the Edinburgh International Book Festival said: “Through our unique access to the world leading authors and illustrators we are able to help parents and teachers to generate genuine enthusiasm in reading and books amongst the young. Our partnership with ScottishPower also provides encouragement of reading and writing skills which are invaluable to Scotland’s young people and we are able to extend the work of the Book Festival into communities which we otherwise would not have the ability to reach.”
Karen McMurrich, Aberlour’s Director of Marketing, Fundraising and External Affairs said: “We are delighted to be the official charity partner of the ScottishPower Swap Shop again in 2012. This is a fantastic initiative and we hope that many schools in Scotland will support it. Aberlour works across Scotland, reaching out to children and young people who need care and support to achieve their potential and to live safe, fulfilling lives. We look forward to working again in partnership with ScottishPower on the Swap Shop programme.”
Swap Shop is a national reading challenge run by ScottishPower in partnership with the Edinburgh International Book Festival, to celebrate the energy company’s official sponsorship of the festival.
If you would like to register your school to take part in the ScottishPower Swap Shop please contact Roanna Katz at The BIG Partnership on swapshop@bigpartnership.co.uk or call 0141 333 9585. Schools should register their interest before Wednesday 23rd May 2012. The book swaps should take place by Friday 22nd June 2012.