In 1937, a small group of local lawyers came together committed to the idea of serving the small communities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Over eighty years later, the law firm of Baker Newby continues their commitment to enhancing those communities.

 

In 2017, Baker Newby announced the creation of a matching grant program in support of Starfish Pack.  This year, in similar fashoin, they have announced the creation of a matching grant program in support Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Fraser Valley. The program will match dollar for dollar all local donations received before September 1, 2019 up to a maximum of $20,000.  This amount will provide approximately 200 infants and toddlers with a book per month until age 5.

 

“We’re grateful to have been part of the communities of Abbotsford and Chilliwack for such a long period”, said Baker Newby Administrator Tim Wurtz. “Many of our 75 lawyers and associates are passionate advocates for early literacy.  Children with access to books and exposed to reading prior to kindergarten are more likely to achieve academic success”.

 

One of the reasons Baker Newby chose Imagination Library is to highlight childhood literacy as a fundamental building block to community and personal success.  “We hope individuals, businesses, faith groups and service clubs will feel as inspired as we are to help shine the spotlight on the benefits of early childhood literacy”, Wurtz said.

 

Dolly Parton, best known as a country music entertainer started the Imagination Library in 1995 to help improve childhood literacy in her home county in Tennessee. Since that time, the program has grown significantly, with 170 affiliates in Canada, and 35 in British Columbia.  Enrolled children receive an age-appropriate book each month in the mail from birth to age five. There is no charge to register and the books are free.   Book selections include classic titles like the Little Engine that Could along with books that reflect Canadian values and history including “Counting on Snow” by local Harrison author Maxwell Newhouse.

 

The Dolly Parton Foundation provides program administrative support, but book costs are covered through local fundraising efforts.  Brian Martin, of Made to Measure Performance and Engagement Solutions, saw the impact the program has on children and partnered with the Optimist Club of Chilliwack to introduce the program in Chilliwack earlier this year.

 

“Community interest and support has been extremely encouraging”, said Martin. “The support of Baker Newby’s matching program will accelerate achievement of our three-year goals by immediately delivering high quality books to local children who might not otherwise have access.  Their generous support is the big break we’ve been hoping for and a shining example of their commitment to the children, families and the community”. 

 

To support the Fraser Valley Imagination Program, and have your gifts matched by Baker Newby LLP, go to:  www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/35285. Donations can also be made through local community partner donation boxes or by contacting ImaginationLibaryFraserValley@outlook.com

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

 

Baker Newby:  Tim Wurtz  604 792-1376  TWurtz@bakernewby.com

Imagination Library:  Brian Martin 647-965-1251 ImaginationLibraryFraserValley@outllook.com

 

 

TO LEARN MORE

 

Baker Newby LLP:  www.bakernewby.com

Imagination Library:  www.imaginationlibrary.com/ca

Imagination Library Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ImaginationLibraryFraserValley

Optimist Club:  www.optimistclubofchwk.com

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