// WHSmith, National Literacy Trust and Macmillan Children’s Books team up to ensure every child has access to their own book at home
// WHSmith stores across the UK and via its website will become a donation point to raise money for the National Literacy Trust
WHSmith is accelerating its commitment to champion literacy across the UK with a new partnership with the National Literacy Trust and Macmillan Children’s Books, backed by Marcus Rashford.
WHSmith is the exclusive retail donation point for customers to raise money to provide books and additional support for children and families in disadvantaged communities throughout the UK
WHSmith stores will act as donation points for customers to donate to the scheme, with funds going to the National Literacy Trust reading charity.
The retailer will also gift a copy of the Manchester United footballer Rashford’s book You Are A Champion: How To Be The Best You Can Be to a disadvantaged child for every copy sold.
According to a statement from WHSmith, The National Literacy Trust will distribute the books to “tackle literacy issues in communities at a local level across the UK”.
Rashford said: “Enjoying reading can’t just be a privilege; all children should be able to access books, no matter what their background.”
“Having good literacy skills supports children to succeed in life and everyone should have the opportunity to discover a love of reading.
“This last year has shown us just what we can achieve when we work together.
“By joining forces with WH Smith and the National Literacy Trust we are giving everyone the best opportunity to get involved in supporting getting every child reading.
“There’s a WH Smith on nearly every high street in the UK, they’re online and also in major travel hubs so we’re making this really accessible and would encourage everyone who is able to, to get involved.
“Everyone can play a role, big or small.”
WHSmith will also be hosting a digital event for the launch of Rashford’s book with an exclusive interview with the footballer, hosted by co-author of the book, Carl Anka.
WHSmith and the National Literacy Trust will distribute 1,500 free tickets to schools in deprived areas across the UK to stream the interview and will also donate 1,500 copies of the book to these schools for their libraries.
WHSmith customers will also be able to get a ticket to watch the interview on demand when they buy a copy of the book instore and online.
National Literacy Trust chief executive Jonathan Douglas said: “Marcus Rashford is an extraordinary campaigner of the societal imbalances that can have a lifelong impact on disadvantaged children.
“We hope this brilliant WHSmith initiative, in partnership with Macmillan Children’s Books and the National Literacy Trust, will make essential steps in addressing one of the key barriers to literacy and learning.”
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