Reading for a reason with RNIB

Schools helping to raise money for charity by taking part in Read for RNIB Day can win a year's supply of children's books, thanks to leading sight loss charity the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Walker Books.

Schools across the UK are being encouraged to hold a reading related event, such as hosting a Mad Hatter's Sensory Tea Party, a Reading Relay, Come as a Character Day or even a Story Sleepover and take part in an annual fundraising appeal, Read for RNIB Day.

All funds raised will help provide reading services and equipment to blind and partially sighted people across the UK.

Participants can pick any date in October and enjoy an activity that will unite children, teachers and parents in making reading fun, whilst helping other children who can't see the same books.

One user of Talking Books is six-year-old Louie Titre, who says: "I've been blind since I was five months old. I am the only blind child in my school and I have separate lessons to learn braille. I love reading but it's really annoying when my twin brother Aiden and my friends, who can all see, can read books that I can't just because they aren't available in braille or Talking Books yet. I'm always the one left out. RNIB has given me lots of books so that I can read along with the rest of my class and friends."

Schools also have the option to keep twenty percent of any money raised and those that donate £400 or more will be entered into a prize draw to win a year's supply of Walker children's books. In this way, Read for RNIB Day benefits not only blind and partially sighted children, but also the school taking part.

Jo Humphreys-Davies at Walker Books believes that Read for RNIB Day is ‘‘a great idea.’’ She explained: ‘‘This is the second year we have been involved. It's a great way to get children excited and engaged with reading, and learning about the different ways children with a disability read. Roll on October.’’