Feb. 23 2026
Hosted by Joe Canavan, an icon in the financial services industry, Game Night is United for Literacy’s annual fundraiser in support of literacy programs across Canada. This year’s event takes place at Arcadian Loft in downtown Toronto on March 12 from 5-9pm. There are lots of opportunities to get involved and show your support:
Be a sponsor
Show your support of literacy and learning: Sponsors of our annual Game Night fundraiser receive name recognition at the event and in our annual report.
More information can be found on the Game Night page.
Donate to the online auction
Contribute an item, event, or service to the auction open to Game Night attendees. Some ideas for auction items include
Tickets to sporting events or concerts
Hotel stays and restaurant gift cards
Book packages, board games, and leisure activities
Sports memorabilia
Spa packages
Jewelry, gift cards, and other personal items
Register to play
Register yourself ($125) or a team of four players ($400). Tickets include game play (your choice of Scrabble, Taboo, trivia, or Scattergories), live entertainment, food and drink, and more!
Can’t attend? Donate to United for Literacy!
Join the fun by registering or donating here.
One in eight children in Canada does not read at grade level. Our children’s programs, which reach approximately 8,000 children and youth each year, are addressing this problem. By participating in The Bookshelf campaign, you will help to
Send over 3,000 children to our Summer Literacy Camps
Distribute over 68,000 brand-new, high-quality books to children
Improve school performance. Teachers report that 92% of students who attend our programs show improved reading and 86% improve in math.
“I liked reading by myself because it made me feel independent. Reading on my own gave me confidence.” – Learner, Grade 6
Get more information and register your company for The Bookshelf campaign.
Turn your holiday party or team-building event into a fundraiser that reflects your values. Being a corporate donor is a great investment in your community.
Here are some easy ideas for connecting with colleagues while helping kids learn to read:
Host a 50/50 draw or silent auction.
Throw a ticketed party or event. Donate a percentage of proceeds to United for Literacy.
Have a dress-down day, holiday-based event, or other theme day that staff can take part in.
Invite employees to donate new and gently used books to
promote a lifelong love of reading
engage children’s imagination and curiosity; and
help kids develop new vocabulary and interests.
Many children in Canada have little or no access to books, but having books in the home increases a child’s chances of staying in school. By donating books for children and teenagers, your staff can feel great knowing they’re making a positive impact now and for years to come.
“Do you have a chapter book I can take home? I love reading.” – Learner, Grade 3
Do twice the good:
Ask employees to include a small monetary donation with their books, then make a corporate gift to match funds raised by individuals. Money raised helps United for Literacy deliver books to children and programs nationwide.
United for Literacy will provide you with book labels and packing instructions.
Volunteers are the key to everything we do!
Opportunities include
Online support with planning upcoming events
On-site help at events like Game Night in Toronto or other community activities
Tutoring children or adults, online or in-person:
Tutor reading, writing, and math
Read stories at our Reading Tents
Volunteering as a tutor requires 4–5 hours training and a background check. We ask for a minimum 3-month commitment for these roles.
“I appreciate what this group does for people in need of a little extra help. I have noticed a difference in my abilities and am glad i got into this program. I am super thankful for the wonderful people who put in their time to help others.” – Learner, Grade 9
For information about how your company can contribute to United for Literacy, please email Jennifer Chow, National Events Manager.
United for Literacy develops and delivers high-impact literacy and learning programs for individuals and whole communities across Canada. These programs include homework support, workplace skill-building, tutoring for children, youth, and adults, and much more. We work in cities, fly-in communities, small towns, and online, where we can reach more people and do more good. Whether you give a monetary donation or volunteer your time, you can be certain you’re making a positive investment.
For a summarized statement of operations, please see our Annual Report.
There are many urgent issues that need support from individuals and corporations alike. However, literacy, which in its simplest form is the ability to read and write, is fundamental to improving many of these issues.
Some examples:
Healthcare improves when people understand what their medicine does and how to take it safely.
Strong reading skills help kids stay in school and choose careers that provide financial security and housing.
Low literacy skills are linked to involvement in the justice system.
Currently, one in eight children does not read at grade level. Supporting these kids now means they are less likely to drop out of school before graduation, which leads to more opportunities for the future. A 2018 study for the Canada West Foundation found that a one per cent increase in adult literacy could boost Canada’s GDP by over $50 billion and raise national productivity by five per cent. That is a clear and measurable return on investment. Read more about the relationship between literacy and economic growth in this opinion piece.
