Children who attend Chatterbooks sessions at East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust’s libraries won’t be doing much ‘chatting’ in an attempt to raise funds for charity.
The 7-11 year olds, who meet up once a month to discuss books and take part in a wide range of book related activities, are taking part in a ‘zip it’ sponsored silence this month for the Young Shelterbox charity.
They were inspired following a visit from the charity’s representative who talked to the young people about the work the charity does in providing shelter and other essential aid to families fleeing conflict in Syria.
The young people at the sessions wanted to get involved in helping provide these families with vital equipment such as tents, cooking utensils, water purification tablets, fleece blankets, tool kits and other supplies. By taking part in a sponsored silence, the youngsters hope to be able to buy a number of Shelterboxes for those in need.
Children who attend the Chatterbooks sessions at Brookwood Library in Bearsden, Bishopbriggs Library and Milngavie Library have already held ‘zip it’ sponsored silences and have raised £170 so far. The last ‘zip it’ event will be at William Patrick Library on 26 February.
East Dunbartonshire Leisure & Culture Trust Chair, Scott Hill said, “The Chatterbooks sessions held at local libraries are a great success, with children coming together to share their love of books and take part in some exciting activities.
“Occasionally the children receive visits from authors, publishers and other interesting speakers and it was through one of these visits that the young people found out about the work of Young Shelterbox. It is great to see how keen they are to get involved and I hope they do extremely well in raising money for such a worthwhile charity.”
Convener of the Council’s Development & Regeneration Committee, Councillor Alan Moir added, “The Chatterbooks sessions are usually very vibrant occasions where the young people share their love of literature. This month they have silenced themselves voluntarily in the pursuit of a fantastic cause to aid the horrendous plight facing the Syrian people and I’m delighted to support their efforts. I wish them every success in their bid to help the many families in need in Syria at this time.”
If you would like to find out more about Chatterbooks sessions pop into your local library or visit http://www.edlc.co.uk/
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Date: Thursday 21 February 2014