Former MLA shares the magic of reading

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/02/2019 (2440 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Former Manitoba MLA Christine Melnick represented Riel from 2003 to 2013, and served in several ministerial portfolios.

While in office, she began Share the Magic book program, a registered charity through which new and gently used books are collected for giveaway throughout the province.

It began with Chris purchasing books at local garage sales and setting up libraries in the low-income communities she then represented. Share the Magic delivers books to everyone, from babies to adults.

In 2017, it distributed 40,000 books; in 2018 that grew to 61,000; to date it has distributed a whopping total of 480,000 books worth over $2.7 million!

The books are mostly donated by people, libraries and other organizations that want to help support this initiative. First Book Canada supports the cause by offering a full pallet of 1,500 books for just $600. And Chris still goes to garage sales looking for good deals on newer books.  

There is no shortage of need. This year, three Winnipeg inner-city schools are participating in a program whereby children take a book home per month and receive 17 books to keep and read during the summer. Research has shown that this number helps children develop their reading skills.

Some of these children have never previously owned a book.

“How is a child supposed to learn how to read when they do not have access to books at home?” Christine asked me.

Books are also distributed to West Broadway Community Ministry, the Ellice and Austin street festivals, Boys & Girls Clubs summer camps, and Can U.

A highlight of the year is Family Literacy Fun Day fundraiser, which will be held on March 3 at Lord Roberts Community Centre from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free, food is available for purchase, and there will be a silent auction, live music and plenty of activities for kids.

The Manitoba Pediatric Society has become involved this year. In February, which is I Love to Read month, 23 pediatricians are giving away thousands of books to their patients. They will announce just how many on March 3.

Chris is passionate about the charity. She hears stories from parents telling her how valuable access to books has been to their children’s development. Share the Magic is changing lives.

Chris was recently honoured with the Peter Gzowski Award for her support of literacy. Only 12 Canadians receive this award annually and Chris was this year’s Manitoba recipient. This prestigious award was presented to her by longtime CBC news anchor, Peter Mansbridge (see photo).

If you are interested in donating cash or books or helping out with this charity, contact Chris Melnick at cmelnick@mymts.net

John Hindle is a community correspondent for St. Vital. Email him at john@johnhindle.com