Funds raised for reading

A young Peninsula mum has helped raise funds for the Peninsula START (Sit Together and Read for Ten minutes) Reading Project.

Jodie McCarthy, who has four children under seven years of age, initiated the idea of a Personal Pampering Night where she enlisted the support of a number of local businesses to donate their time and skills.

Participants bought a $20 ticket and then were able to decide on their own Personal Pampering evening incorporating anything from belly dancing lessons to manicures and haircuts.

The night raised $200.

"We really appreciate Jodie's contribution to the Peninsula START Reading Project which aims to improve literacy skills for children aged up to five on the Peninsula," said Beachside Family Centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara.

"We want to encourage parents to read to their babies and children every day for at least 10 minutes.

"Jodie's fundraising efforts will pay for 20 Let's Read packs for babies which include a picture book, a DVD showing parents how to read to their child, some tip sheets and other helpful information.

"These packs will be distributed to young mothers and other families who may not be aware of the importance of reading to babies and toddlers."

For more information about the Peninsula START Reading Project, please contact Debbie Notara on 4343 1929.

Press release, 18 Dec 2007 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre