Winnipeg kids turn the page through Lawyers for Literacy

West Broadway kids grabbed some classic stories off the shelf Saturday.

The eighth annual Lawyers for Literacy event preached the importance of reading to dozens of kids aged 4 and up.

More than 80 lawyers paired with the West Broadway Youth Outreach program to promote literacy and to raise money for after-school programs.

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Since its inception in 2011, the event has raised $93,000.

Irene Hamilton, the former president of the Law Society of Manitoba, said she saw some future lawyers in the crowd.

“Being a lawyer, literacy is incredibly important,” Hamilton said. “So the opportunity to sit with kids who are coming to West Broadway to participate in activities that really promote learning is great.

“It’s great to see that enthusiasm for learning.”

Lawyers donated their afternoon and raised money for the programs. Prizes were also given to the readers who were able to get through the most chapters.

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But the afternoon wasn’t about new bikes or outings to trampoline parks.

West Broadway Youth Outreach helps motivate Winnipeg kids to stay on the right path. It hosts over 30 youth programs — everything from homework clubs, to piano classes to laundry lessons.

“We’re acting as if it’s a recreational program, but it really isn’t. It’s a life skills program,” Executive Director Ken Opaleke said.

“The more you read, you’re basically like a sponge that can’t be filled,” Opaleke said. “We’re trying to say to our kids that that’s the gateway.”