Last week, I trotted my daughter down to the public library to take part in the kick-off party for our local summer reading club. She danced, ate cake and ... vowed to read 100 books over the course of the summer. She's 6. I quickly checked the fine print and discovered that books that I read to her count as well as those she reads herself. Phew. "A man's reach must exceed his grasp" and all that claptrap, but realistic goals are good too. Together, she and I will rock this challenge.
There's another local kid who has also vowed to read 100 books. He's 8 and he's flying solo on the summer reading challenge for the first time. Such a lofty goal is alone enough to make any parent proud, but Kael's commitment extends far beyond literacy and the love of books. Earlier this spring, Kael's beloved uncle died at the Chalmers Regional Hospital here in Fredericton. Kael and his family spent a lot of time at the hospital during his illness. Now, in the aftermath of his uncle's death, Kael would like to raise money to enhance the hospital's family room so that other members of our community will be surrounded by comfort during their own dark emotional times.
Kael is tracking his progress on a charming and engaging blog. Have a look and consider making a donation. There's a direct link to the Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation right from his main page. This summer, please take up a challenge to enrich your mind through reading and your heart through community service, as Kael has done.
