Donors & Supporters
How do I volunteer?
Do you have experience working with children and/or children’s books? Would you like to spend your time supporting the Book Bank at its storefronts or warehouse? Apply by clicking below to be a volunteer.
Volunteers must be at least 15 years old. Volunteers 18 and over must complete a Vulnerable Sector Check. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of one shift per week (2-3 hours) for at least a year.
How do I donate books?
The Book Bank is only able to accept books at our warehouse at the dates and times shown below. Please do not bring book donations to our storefront at 585 Dundas St E. Click here for our book
donation guidelines.
Looking for another way to support The Book Bank?
Hosting a birthday fundraiser is fun way to support The Children's Book Bank! Make your next celebration more meaningful by inviting your guests to make a contribution in your honour.
How can I provide financial support?
To become one of our generous monthly or individual contributors, click here:
2022 Corporate / Foundation Donors
24 GOOD DEEDS
Arbor Memorial Foundation
Aubrey & Marla Dan Foundation
Averbach Family Foundation
The Azrieli Foundation
BMO Community Giving
Canada Life
Canada Summer Jobs
Canadian Children's Literacy Foundation
Carol MacPherson
The Catherine and Maxwell Meighen Foundation
Dawn Tattle Family Foundation
F.K. Morrow Foundation
Havergal College
The Hylcan Foundation
Jackman Foundation
John and Jocelyn Barford Family Foundation
John and Marian Taylor Family Fund
J.P. Bickell Foundation
The Lawrence Schafer Foundation
The Lewis Cohen Family Foundation
The Lewitt Family Foundation
Manitou Invesment Management Ltd.
McCarthy Tetrault Foundation
McGraw Family Foundation
The McLean Foundation
MEH Foundation
Ontario Trillium Foundation
The RBC Foundation
R. Howard Webster Foundation
RSM US
St. George's Society Toronto
TD Ready Commitment
Tippet Foundation
Toronto Metropolitan University
Traquair Family Foundation
The Weppler Family Foundation
Woodbine Cares
What’s the story of The Children’s Book Bank?
The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to children in high-needs neighbourhoods in Toronto. Its purpose is to provide equal access to books for all children, thereby improving literacy rates and socioeconomic outcomes. In 2022, The Children’s Book Bank gave away nearly 120,000 donated books to children in need; since 2008, it has distributed 1.5 million books across the city.
The Children’s Book Bank was founded by a small group of dedicated individuals who saw the importance of ensuring that all children have access to books. Since 2008, the Book Bank has grown and reached more families as a result of the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations who have donated funds, books and their time. In February, 2022, The Children’s Book Bank moved to our beautiful space at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park. This relocation came about as a result of the tremendous efforts of staff, volunteers and financial donors. Our warehouse is now located at 561 Sherbourne Street where the Book Bank also operates a small but thriving satellite space.
The Children’s Book Bank is grateful to Jocelyn Barford, Kim Beatty, Willa Black, Joanne Browne, Jane Crist, Nancy Evans, Janet MacPhail, Kathy Martin, Janet Newlands, Diane Rhind, Nora Spence, and Louise Sugar and acknowledges the advice and support of Carol McCabe and Nora Spence, founders of the Bookshare Program.
Reporting
With support from hundreds of donors, The Children’s Book Bank is able to provide books and literacy support to many of our city’s most vulnerable community members. We are grateful to our many generous supporters and funders.
Recent Milestones
Board of Directors
Brenda Abrams
Melissa Cassar
Yun Cheng
Sarah Facey, Chair
Nimmy George
Madhu Rupasinghe
Jennifer Samarco
