Families gathered at Quarry Park on June 6 for Let’s Read Together, a Manitoba-wide initiative aimed at bringing communities, families and young learners together to celebrate literacy.


Pictured clockwise from top, families were encouraged to choose a book to take home. Lillian Klausen read in French to families. Const. Sahota read a story about inclusion and acceptance
The event was organized by Jennifer Rukhra, equity and social justice chair for the Interlake Teachers’ Association and a teacher at École R.W. Bobby Bend School, who welcomed guests and volunteer readers to the outdoor literacy celebration.
Reading stations were set up near the pond, where participants enjoyed stories shared by guest readers, including Suzi Friesen, director of educational programming with the True North Youth Foundation; Alycia Campbell, founder of Rock Your Socks for Down Syndrome, along with her daughter Maggie; Const. Sahota of the RCMP; and Lillian Klausen, president of the Manitoba Teachers’ Society.
In addition to story time, families participated in literacy-themed activities, enjoyed snacks and selected free books donated through United for Literacy.
The event highlighted the importance of reading and learning while providing families with an opportunity to connect and foster a love of literacy in a welcoming outdoor setting.