It was a busy November for bookworms and burger-lovers at Pope John Paul II School and Bob's Burger Bar. The burger joint partnered with PJPII to offer a fundraiser in conjunction with their Reading Challenge, which has now been extended until Christmas.
"During the month of November, $1 from every burger sold and $5 from every clothing item sold went directly to our school. Last year, it was just a fundraiser, but this year, we added in the reading challenge as a way to build excitement with the students and to increase engagement in reading," said Principal Tammy Bush.
Students count the number of minutes that they read to reach their 400 minute goal. As they read, they got to colour in sections of a burger from the bottom up. Once they reach the 400 minute mark, they receive school recognition and a coupon for a free burger at Bob's.
"We love that Bob Firth of Bob's Burgers partnered with us once again to raise money for our school during the month of November. Bob is so community minded and it is a gift to us that he has worked so hard to promote our school and to raise money for sports equipment," said Bush.
Funds raised this year will assist in the purchase of outdoor equipment for students to use at recess. Bush says they decided to extend the reading challenge after it was such a hit.
"The kids love the challenge and are eagerly reading in order to receive their coupon for their free burger," she said. "We have extended the school portion of the challenge until Christmas in order to allow as many children to complete their 400 minute goal as possible."