"It was so gratifying to see the children make progress through the year so that they could find the joy of reading. It was especially wonderful to share their excitement when they told stories or wrote them out. I recommend volunteering in this capacity to anyone who loves books."

Volunteer Reader and Author of Franklin the Turtle Children's Books Paulette Bourgeois

"I am so glad to be a part of such a fantastic programme."

School Coordinator and VRP Board Member Marjie Calla

"We have some amazing children and they are very eager to learn. I feel blessed that we have this opportunity to help them read."

Community Reader Ameena Siddiqui

"I can never thank you enough for 'the seed you planted' at Gateway. I'll do my best to honor your vision."

Parent Council Chair Nazerah Shaikh

"It was amazing the way they read and understand and they are so eager to learn. VRP is a wonderful program that will surely boost them up."

Community Volunteer Zeenat Matadar

"The work you folks do is invaluable. Kids who are a bit lost in class, kids who have a home life we can scarcely imagine just blossom when they are with your volunteers."

School Librarian Bruce Stodart

“On behalf of myself, the parent/guardian community, staff and students at Flemington, I want to extend our tremendous appreciation for the added support you and your skilled volunteers have done and continue to do to support our children with their acquisition and improvements in their reading skills.” 

Principal CherylAnn Edwards

“I also want to add that I am very grateful that your organization exists. The extra support and instruction our readers receive from the devoted and insightful volunteers is wonderful and has helped improve our students' confidence, attitudes and skills. When the volunteers come to get the children, many of my students who aren't in the programme eagerly ask, "When is it my turn?"  

Teacher Liaison Laurie Crawford

"I thought you would be interested that a parent came into the school today and thanked Jan and I for helping the students. She said she really appreciated our work with her daughter."

VRP Reader Flo Morson

"The volunteer reader program has been an invaluable support to grade 1 students at Ogden in helping those who are struggling learn to read. I recall one student this year made incredible gains in a few months (from being a non-reader to almost at grade level) due to the caring and skilled support of her volunteer reader.”  

Principal Miriam Zachariah

"I would be thrilled to provide this incredible opportunity to our students at Earl Haig. I had the pleasure of working with you at Gateway as you started up the program there."

Principal Olga Ellis

"Thank you for a wonderful first term! It has been terrific to have you all at the school; the students are thriving. Giving the graduates a "graduation gift" is a very special gesture."

Principal Patricia Sutherland

"I'm the biggest fan of the reading programme and my kids are benefitting in reading and also in social skills. It is great for them to have undivided attention of a caring grandparent or parent figure. They don't just read. They talk and make our kids' lives richer."

Grade 1 Teacher Helena Capes

"I was so proud and overwhelmed to see around 28 children graduated today [May, 2012]. Thank you all for your effort, patience and hard work. The happy and smiling faces were the best rewards we could have hoped for... I was so content to get all the hugs and they made my day."

School Coordinator Rajasree Datta

"The improvement is tangible. I've been giving the DRAs again and your readers started at 0 and are now up to 10 or higher! When I asked one little girl how she has learned to read so well she attributed it to the ladies who come in to read".

Grade 1 teacher (Glen Park)

"It was a pleasure being a volunteer for the Volunteers Readers Programme! It was a great way of acquiring experience with children but also knowing that I have contributed to my community and have made a difference in someone's life is a very fulfilling feeling."

Community Reader Hibah Qayyum

"Two [VRP] students from my class are progressing nicely in reading. I decided to replace them with two other students who may benefit from [VRP]. They are below grade one level. I am hoping that they will make better progress if they are receiving more instruction [with VRP]."

Grade 1 teacher Anna Leskowsky

“The grade one teachers have seen real improvements in our student's reading and their attitude towards literacy activities after some time in the VRP program. The volunteers have really impressed the teachers with their level of expertise, as well as their dedication and kindness. Thank you and keep up the good work!” 

Grade 1 Teacher John McNeil

"VRP is a wonderful program that is easy and accessible to children which makes it that much more valuable. You guys are doing great work!"

First Book Canada Intern Gurdeep Dhaliwal

"The program has been extremely successful and it is an asset to our school. The Grade 1 students who are chosen to participate are excited to be read to and receive individual attention...greatly benefit from this intensive support."

Principal Jeff Crane

"Wow, can't believe my first year of volunteer reading is almost over. I have absolutely loved it. For volunteer work, the best choice I could have made."

Volunteer Cathy Austin

"I know that our students are very eager to come and read with their reading partners! Our teachers are thrilled to have your group read with our students and you have really helped to propel our students along their learning journey!"

Principal Diane Bailey

"Staff were very happy with the training and they are excited to apply what they have learned. I appreciate your commitment and hard work, you have built a strong team or volunteers and staff."

Community Centre Director Shabana Sohail

"[VRP] is an important service for the children in our community, providing a supportive venue, fostering a sense of wellbeing and generating opportunities for success and social interaction amongst the participants."

Principal Anna Chiesa