Andrew has provided the following update on the local Goole & Snaith Imagination Library scheme.
Andrew said on his Facebook page, "It's nearly ten years since I set up the Goole and Snaith Imagination Library free book gifting scheme for under-5s locally. We launched it in Old Goole. Since then we have provided free books in the post for hundreds of local under 5s to help raise pre-school literacy.
"The scheme is part of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library and it is an initiative that is really loved and appreciated by parents and kids alike.
"In North Lincs, we took the decision to fund this for all under-5s when we took over the Council from Labour (who then voted to cut it!), but here in Goole and Snaith I have had to fund it from my own pocket and by funding we have been able to secure externally.
"I was therefore delighted yesterday that we were presented with £1000 from SSE. This funding is from their community pot they set up as a result of their Keadby 2 construction project. For every month of safe working they achieve, they donate £1000 to a local good cause here in the constituency. Thanks to Jade and Dave from SSE for agreeing to fund this scheme with one of these donations.
"I am also delighted that a couple of weeks ago we successfully secured £3000 from the Goole Fields Windfarm Fund towards the scheme too. This is much needed funding and will help secure the scheme for the next year or two as we were starting to run short on funds!
"A special thanks must go to one of the scheme members, 3 year old Archie, who was on hand to officially receive the cheque! It was great to hear that Archie loves the books coming through the post every month and is always really excited to receive them.
"The Imagination Library provides a free age relevant book in the post every month and children can be signed up anytime from birth and the scheme runs until they turn 5. This encourages children to read with their parents and carers before they start school, something we know puts kids in a better position for when they start school.
"We are now able to add a few places to the scheme thanks to this additional funding, so please email me on brigg.goole@gmail.com if you live in the Goole and Saith area (East Riding part of my constituency) and we should be able to sign you up!
"Thanks so much to both funders."
