UPDATE: One Year of Supporting the My First Bookshelf Program
For the last four years, Sandstone Energy has maintained their mission to donate 100% of their profits to the Calgary Public Library Foundation (CPLF). The idea that Calgarians could pay their utility bills whilst supporting the growth of the CPLF was an exciting prospect for those involved, and upon the launch of the initiative, Madeline Low, UTILITYnet founder, of which Sandstone is a division, said:
“I wanted to support the Calgary Public Library because it is an extremely important part of my life. I am a first-generation Chinese immigrant to Canada. When I was young and new to the country, I spent a lot of time reading books. Books gave me insight into what I could accomplish in Canada, and the stories told will open up a new world to people that they never knew existed before.”
Last December, Sandstone announced that in keeping with its initial vision, their ongoing monthly contribution would begin to support the My First Bookshelf program. The My First Bookshelf program is a partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and provides new, age-appropriate books to children every month from the time they are born until their fifth birthday.
Now we are excited to share an update with how the program has been going!
In 2021, customers of Sandstone Energy were responsible for providing more than 500 books for children in Calgary through the My First Bookshelf Program. For only $5.50, the library can deliver a book to a child. That book belongs to the child forever, building their home bookshelf and preparing them for kindergarten.
"We are very thankful for our relationship with Sandstone Energy.", said Library Foundation CEO, Tracy Johnson. "Donations of net profit from Sandstone Energy support the expansion of the My First Bookshelf program, providing the joy of reading to children across the city. Thanks to the generosity of donors to this program, children start school with full bookshelves at home. We all know the power of a good book during challenging times."
Though it may be hard to imagine, many children in Calgary are growing up without books in the home. The pandemic can be isolating for many young children and trips to the Library. Receiving a free book every month for their first five years is a huge boost to a child's learning development. Research indicates that the presence of only 20 books in the home can inspire a lifelong love of reading.
More than 2,000 children have participated in the My First Bookshelf program in 2021, and the Library Foundation's goal is to expand this to 3,000 children in early 2022. The support of Sandstone Energy customers will help us reach this goal.
Shop Local and Support the Calgary Public Library Foundation
Sandstone Energy offers competitive rates for electricity, natural gas, and Internet to residential, farm, and small business customers across the province. With 100% of the net income from the sale of these services going to support the CPLF, every new customer makes a difference!