Siblings Mia (3) and Zack (4) Massueras and Kian (4)and Sia (1) Baba-Moussa at the launch in Bayside,Dublin.
Children’s Books Ireland, supported by the Arts Council and KPMG, announced today they will be gifting 6,000 books to children in direct provision, hospitals and homeless services this Christmas.
All the books involved in the initiative are by Irish authors, illustrators or publishers, giving a much-needed boost to the book sector.
This December, bedtime stories will be gifted to children in need all over Ireland as they face into a difficult Christmas. With the support of the Arts Council and KPMG, 6,000 Irish books will be gifted to children and young people in centres of direct provision, hospitals and homeless services nationwide. There are over 2,100 children in direct provision and over 2,500 experiencing homelessness. With the help of charity partners including Barnardos, Focus Ireland, Children in Hospital Ireland, and St Vincent de Paul.
This partnership follows on from the highly successful KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards earlier in the year which marked the beginning of a three year collaboration between Children’s Books Ireland and KPMG.
CEO of Children’s Books Ireland, Elaina Ryan, said:
‘All over Ireland there are children who do not own a book, who may not have a culture of reading at home or who need cheering up when things are really tough. We know that books can make things a little bit better and brighter for them by bringing the joy of reading to children who need it most.’
Sarah Bannan, Head of Literature at the Arts Council, said:
‘The Arts Council recognises that writers and illustrators are the heart of children’s literature. We know, too, that the magic of books is made real when they are opened and read and shared. While this has been a difficult year for so many, books remain a place where we can find solace, or joy, or new perspectives. Writers, illustrators and publishers deserve our collective support so that we can continue to discover the joy of books and reading. We can think of no greater pleasure to offer you this winter than this brilliant guide, and the books within it.’
Seamus Hand, Managing Partner of KPMG said:
‘Every child should have the opportunity to read, discover and enjoy books and to experience all the magic and joy they can bring. At KPMG, we are really proud of what we do to promote children’s literacy and education so we’re delighted to support this great initiative gifting the wonder of books to children in need all over Ireland this winter.’
For more information see childrensbooksireland.ie/christmasbookgifting
