A gift of reading

It's our last day before our Winter break.  The students and staff have worked really hard this semester, and everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved vacation.  I'm thrilled to share this good news story as we head into the Christmas season.  Enjoy!

Rhonda

We're so fortunate to have support from all areas of the community.  From businesses that donate auction items to our fundraising events to corporations that make significant gifts, they all help us help students with learning disabilities.

On Thursday, we received another gift.  Manulife Financial has donated $5000 to Bridgeway in support of our new library.  This gift will help us buy not only books, but the assistive technology some of our students need to help them read.

Manulife's giving program is employee driven.  The Halifax office puts out a call for volunteers every year, giving selected employees the opportunity to "pitch" a charity of their choice.  We were very fortunate to have been represented by Alison Baker, Manulife employee and parent to two wonderful young men who also happen to be Bridgeway students.  She talked about the difference our school has made for her sons and the small library we've established to help make our school feel like any other. 

With her support, our school was chosen as one of three charitable organizations that Manulife Financial in Halifax will be supporting this year.  Their donation will be well used.  With it, we'll buy books for kids who have discovered a love of learning.  For those who struggle, we'll invest in technologies that will make reading easier.

On behalf of all of our students, families and staff, we'd like to say thank you to Manulife and its employees for your support.

Joanne Keigan, Manulife Financial Vice-President of Group Operations, presents a cheque for $5000 to Lucinda Low, Founder and Executive Director of Bridgeway Academy.