Flames Launch Third Annual Stick to Reading Program Today

January 6, 2003 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Saint John Flames News Release


SAINT JOHN, NB – The third annual Flames Stick to Reading program kick-off today. Developed by the Flames and corporate partner Tim Hortons, Stick to Reading provides incentives to students to develop and maintain good reading habits.

To date, 35 elementary and middle schools, representing close to one hundred 4th, 5th, & 6th grade classrooms throughout school Districts 6 & 8, have registered for this year's program which will run through February 14. Flames players will officially kick-off Stick to Reading with classroom visits to registered schools today, Tuesday, January 7 and tomorrow, Wednesday, January 8.

"The Stick to Reading program has been a great success in District 8, encouraging children to read, read, read," stated Bev Hennebery, Director of Education. "The greatest gift that a child can receive is that of reading and having the Flames actively involved in promoting reading with children is a wonderful contribution to our community.

"Literacy initiatives such as Stick to Reading provides students with much-needed role models," offered Cathy LeBouthillier, Director of Education for School District 6. "Stick to Reading is unique in that it combines the appeal of sport with the value of reading.

The students participating in Stick to Reading will receive a bookmark featuring the Flames mascot Fleaburn. Students then earn further collectible bookmarks featuring a variety of Flames players for every ten books they read. Each book read will also earn the students one entry into a draw for one of three Tim Hortons classroom parties.

"Our partnership with Tim Hortons in the Stick to Reading program has allowed us to make a positive impact on so many students," said Flames Chief Operating Officer and General Manager Stew MacDonald. "Our players understand the significance of promoting literacy to our youth and their enthusiasm for the program will help get the message across.

Tim Hortons Regional Marketing Manager, Sandy Black, also expressed her support.

"The ability to read is a life-skill that provides new learning opportunities and self-confidence, among other rewards, to our youth," she said. "We are proud to team with the Flames to once again promote literacy through the Stick to Reading program."

The 35 schools registered for the Stick to Reading program cover a geographical territory that includes Sussex, St. Martin's, Browns Flat, and Greater Saint John.

Stick to Reading registrations will continue to be accepted until Monday, January 13, 2003. Contact Ken Moore, Saint John Flames Community Relations Manager, at (506) 636-7152 or by email at kmoore@sjflames.com for further registration information.

The 2002-03 season marks the Saint John Flames' tenth as a member of the American Hockey League and as the primary development organization of the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames.



American Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2003


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