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Turning the page together: Celebrating World Book Day with the Westman Charitable Foundation
Each year, World Book Day invites us to celebrate the power of stories and the role literacy plays in shaping a child’s future. At the Edmonton Public Schools Foundation, it’s also a moment to recognize the partners who are helping turn that belief into action for students across Edmonton.
This World Book Day, we are proud to celebrate the ongoing impact of the Westman Charitable Foundation, supported by Jayman BUILT, whose commitment to students continues to grow into a meaningful investment in literacy and nutrition.
A history of meaningful impact
Since 2019, the Westman Charitable Foundation has contributed nearly $400,000 to support our littlest learners in the classroom. This sustained support has helped ensure young learners have access to enriched early learning environments during some of their most important years.
Over time, their giving has evolved alongside student needs. From supporting Chromebooks for Kids to help bridge the digital divide to expanding into literacy and nutrition, the Westman Charitable Foundation’s approach reflects a deep understanding of the barriers students face and a commitment to removing them.
A new chapter for literacy and student well-being
In the spirit of World Book Day, the Westman Charitable Foundation and Jayman BUILT are building on this legacy with a three-year commitment, totalling $300,000, focused on literacy and nutrition.
Each year, this investment will:
- Provide new books for classroom libraries in 15 schools across the Division
- Support the Foundation’s Top-ups for Tummies program, helping ensure students have access to nutritious food throughout the school day
Access to books in the classroom does more than support reading development. It builds confidence, sparks imagination and helps students see themselves in the stories they read. At the same time, access to nutritious food ensures students can focus, participate and fully engage in their learning.
Together, these supports help create the conditions every student needs to thrive.
Celebrating the joy of reading at Callingwood School
To mark this moment, the Foundation gathered with students and staff at Callingwood School for a special celebration ahead of World Book Day. Callingwood School is one of the 15 schools benefiting from this literacy funding this school year.
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Students came together to share in the joy of storytelling as Diana Joseph, President of the Westman Charitable Foundation, read a book aloud to the group. Each student in attendance also received a new book to take home, extending the impact beyond the classroom and into their everyday lives.
Moments like these capture the true spirit of World Book Day. They remind us that books are not just tools for learning; they are gateways to curiosity, creativity and connection.
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Continuing to turn the page on literacy gaps
By growing classroom libraries and expanding access to reading materials, donors like the Westman Charitable Foundation are helping to ensure that every student has the opportunity to develop strong literacy skills that support them throughout their educational journey.
A partnership rooted in community
On World Book Day, we are reminded that when we invest in literacy, we invest in possibility.
We are deeply grateful for the Westman Charitable Foundation’s continued partnership and their vision for what is possible when we come together to support students.
Together, we are removing barriers. Supporting students. Strengthening futures.