Dec. 10, 2003 -- (TORONTO) - The Toronto Raptors, NBA and The Home Depot officially opened the Toronto Raptors Reading & Learning Centre on Wednesday.

Located in the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs in Toronto, the centre inspires the values of the NBA’s Read to Achieve program. On hand for the official opening were Raptors Vince Carter, Chris Bosh, Alvin Williams, Morris Peterson, Milt Palacio and The Raptor mascot.



Developed by the NBA in 2001, Read to Achieve is a program dedicated to helping kids develop a life-long love of reading and online literacy, encouraging parents and adults to read with them regularly.

“The goal of the Raptors Reading & Learning Centre is to get books in the hands of kids and teens and provide them with access to the best technology that facilitates learning and builds valuable life skills,” said John Lashway, vice-president, communications and community development, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Ltd. “We’re excited to participate in this extraordinary program that will make a huge difference for many young people and gives the Raptors an opportunity to give back to the community.”

The Raptors are one of eight NBA franchises to receive funding for the program this year. With a grant from the NBA and The Home Depot, the second floor of the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs was transformed into a centre that will house thousands of donated books, reference materials and the latest educational technology, benefiting kids, teens and their families from Regent Park.

“The Raptors Reading & Learning Centre provides a safe environment for kids to read, do homework and work on their computer skills - and ultimately grow and develop,” said Lisa Kostakis-Edward, president of Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs.

The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, donated all materials and equipment used to refurbish the room. Employees from The Home Depot Canada and the Toronto Raptors community relations department renovated the room.

"The Home Depot is thrilled to partner with the NBA and the Toronto Raptors on the Read to Achieve program,” said Pat Wilkinson, director of marketing for The Home Depot Canada. “Community development is a fundamental value of The Home Depot, and we’re proud to help provide the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs with a place for youth to have access to educational opportunities.”

Reaching an estimated 50 million children each year, the NBA’s Read to Achieve program is the most extensive educational outreach initiative in the history of professional sports. To date, the NBA and its teams have donated more than 600,000 books annually, as well as created 90 reading corners and centres throughout North America.