One in 17 children in the UK don’t own a single book – approximately two children in every class - and more than one in four 11-year-olds had below-expected reading levels in 2019. New research, commissioned by Aldi, reveals that 90% of charity professionals believe that children’s reading abilities have declined since the start of the pandemic.
To help more children experience reading, Aldi will donate more than 100,000 books to children across the UK ahead of the school summer holidays. The books will be produced by Macmillan Children's Books and distributed with support from the charity Magic Breakfast, who provide free, nutritious breakfasts to children and young people at schools in disadvantaged areas. Additional copies will also be donated via giving platform, Neighbourly.
To encourage customers to help all children experience the escapism that reading can bring, Aldi has commissioned an animation narrated by footballer Marcus Rashford MBE - long-term advocate for child equality and best-selling children’s author. The animation, “My Reading Journey”, illustrated by Lisa Stickley, brings to life how much joy reading can bring to a child.
Marcus said: “I didn’t read properly until I was 17, and I don’t want that for others like me. The escapism and joy you can get from reading could have benefitted me significantly as a child. The issue was always access and representation - two areas that the Marcus Rashford Book Club focuses on. Struggling to put food on the table, there was very little money left for things like books so it’s great to see ALDI step up to address a growing need for access to books in communities just like mine. It’s important that children can see a world much bigger than what they see on their doorstep and that can be achieved through books. Thank you to all involved.”
Acting as an ambassador for the campaign, Steven Bartlett said: “Having access to books at home whilst growing up is something that a lot of us take for granted, unaware of just how many kids in this country aren’t as fortunate. Looking towards the future, it is fundamental that all young people have access to books at home and that is why I am supporting this great initiative from ALDI. Most importantly to help them hone their reading skills and further education, but also so they can enjoy the escapism and immerse themselves in fictional worlds. No kids should be denied that right at home.”
Giles Hurley, Chief Executive Officer at Aldi UK and Ireland, said: “At Aldi we believe that access to books, just like quality food should be a right, not a privilege; every child deserves to experience the magic of reading. Not only are we donating over 100,000 books to children that need them, this campaign also aims to help raise awareness of the increasing number of children who don’t have access to their own books at home so those that are in the fortunate position to do so, have the chance to help too.”
Aldi customers are encouraged to add to the existing donation. For more information and to donate a book to a child in need, visit the Aldi website: www.aldi.co.uk/donatebooks Donating £5 will equate to approximately 2 books being gifted to children that need them this summer.
