Fill a Bookshelf

Literacy support for all.

Register your company today. Contact us!

What is the issue?

When we think of economic growth, we often focus on trade, innovation, and technology. But underpinning it all is literacy. The ability to read, write, and understand numbers and other information is fundamental to a resilient economy and an inclusive society.

We can take inspiration from countries like Ireland and Australia, which embed adult literacy across sectors. Programs such as “Skills for Work” offer on-site literacy and numeracy training during paid work hours, while Australia’s “Skills for Education and Employment” (SEE) program integrates foundational skills into workforce and economic development strategies.

Yet in Canada, even today, 19% of adults struggle to read more than short, simple sentences. In our fast-paced, high-tech world, it’s essential for people to develop more advanced skills. Faced with complex financial, political, and social issues, adults need strong literacy skills to thrive and fully participate in society.

Your support is essential to our literacy program—it allows us to expand and strengthen the services we offer.

Here is our latest report, showcasing our work in Northern Canada to provide adult learners with one of the most powerful tools for building economic resilience.

How can you help?

Fill a bookshelf! 

Support literacy programs

Help provide programs that build strong foundational skills, reducing the risk of unemployment, low wages, and poverty.

How it works?

1. Register your company and Fill a Bookshelf. 
   Help us raise funds with a corporate Campaign happening between September and November. 
2. Encourage your colleagues to donate. Every $25 donation provides a learner with materials to support their literacy journey. All donors will receive a charitable tax receipt.
3. Give the donor a book decal for each $25 gift. Have them write their name on it and stick it on the decal bookshelf, which you can post on a wall in your office. 
4. Not in the office - no problem - go to our digital campaign and build your own team challenge. 

If you receive cash gifts, please convert them to online donation.

Feel great knowing you are providing literacy programs to one more learner!

What we provide?

• A bookshelf display with shelf decals (each shelf holds up to 20 book decals). Let us know how many you’d like to start—more can be requested as needed.
• Book decals to inspire giving and show your library growing in real time. 
• A personalized online fundraising page with a shareable LINK.
• A step-by-step guide to help you run your fundraiser.
• Recognition of your company and donors on our website (unitedforliteracy.ca). Donations of $500+ will also be acknowledged in our annual report.

Optional items (please indicate what you’d like and how many):

• Buttons 
• Donation box
• Posters 
• United for Literacy reading material
   

Register today and fill a Bookshelf between September and November, 2025.

Tips to fill a bookshelf

Get the word out and help your staff Fill a Bookshelf to support United for Literacy's Literacy Programs.

Send an email with the link to your company’s fundraising page, make announcements, put up posters, and encourage everyone to get involved and make an impact! 

Sample text to include:

Every $25 donated gives a learner the chance to gain valuable reading skills for success. All donors will receive a tax receipt.

Boost your campaign:

• Challenge different departments—or other companies—to raise more money. Give the winner a prize!
• Double the impact by having your company match all donations.

Register your company

To register your company, contact: 

Kathleen A. Provost, CFRE, MAdEd (elle/her/she)
Vice President, Philanthropy & Communications / Vice-présidente, Philanthropie & Communications
1-800-555-6523 ext. 3393 Cell: 1-902-872-0221
unitedforliteracy.ca / litteratieensemble.ca