Camping out for literacy

Four years ago, students at Queens University partnered with Room to Read, an organization that builds libraries in the developing world.

Since then, the school has been hosting Live-in for Literacy, an annual event that has students camping out in some pretty unusual places – like in the backseat of a car or in the lobby of their campus library.

In 2008, Memorial University teamed up with the University of British Columbia and Laurentian University to join in the event. Collectively, the four universities raised a total of $27,000 which was enough to build six libraries in Nepal.

Last year over $20,000 was raised across Canada with Memorial raising the highest amount from any university.

The goal this year is to again raise $20,000 which will go towards the publication of 10,000 children’s books and will help to build a library in India.

The Muse caught up with Memorial’s 2010 volunteers in the QEII library to get their thoughts on the fundraiser that is taking place from Jan. 23 to 30.

The Muse: Tell us who you are.

Julia Curtis: My name is Julia Curtis. I’m a fifth-year student doing a joint honours in Biochemistry and Behavioural Neuroscience.

TM: How did you get involved?

JC: I became a member of the Students for Literacy in September of this year. This event was always something I wanted to do, and since I’m having no lab courses this semester as compared to previous years, I jumped at the opportunity. I have never been part of an international fundraiser before, and this is an amazing cause.

TM: Last year Memorial raised the most money nationwide. Does that add any pressure for this event?

JC: We definitely feel some pressure this year. We’ve set the bar high and this year we aim to surpass it and hang on to our title of raising the most money across Canada.

TM: What made you want to do this?

JC: For me it was all about the cause, and being part of something international, to know you're making a difference somewhere in the world. I think that’s amazing.

TM: Did the idea of staying overnight in the QEII scare you? Have you witnessed any paranormal activity?

JC: The book return is creepy. People return books all hours of the night and it’s really loud when there’s nothing else going on in the library. I’m a pretty heavy sleeper though so I don’t expect to be disturbed much. There are also cleaners here, security, and all kinds of cameras plus the webcam, so all in all I’m not too worried.

TM: What’s one thing that you absolutely can’t live without – for seven days?

JC: Chocolate!

TM: And who’s this other person in the tent?

Cheyanne Smart: I’m Cheyanne Smart, a fourth-year Psychology Major.

TM: What do you think it is about Memorial that made last year’s event so successful?

CS: I think Memorial is a very close-knit community that’s generous when it comes to donating for a cause. It’s because of these contributions from the students we excel each year.

TM: Have the Students for Literacy set a goal for this year?

CS: Our goal this year is to raise a grand total of $6,500.

TM: Name an unnecessary item that you packed and still haven’t used yet.

CS: I have loads of snacks that I have not touched yet. Other than that, some of my textbooks, but of course those are necessary.

TM: What’s the absolute worst part of living in a shared tent?

CS: The lack of space after the blankets and air mattress is thrown in our two-person tent. I enjoy taking up most of the bed at home, so it has been a task to stay still and not stretch out.

TM: What can students do to help out?

CS: Students on campus can check out our events around campus – there’s going to be a bake sale and an Indian food and culture fair. On Friday the 29 there’s going to be a Get Lei’d for Literacy event held at the Breezeway. And of course, students are more than welcomed to visit our main headquarters here at the tent to drop off donations of all sizes.

To watch these happy campers live on webcam or for more information on Live In For Literacy, visit www.liveinforliteracy.com

Share