A few new faces joined story time at two Winnipeg schools in celebration of I Love to Read Month.
Lauren McNabb, anchor of Global News at 6:00 and Winnipeg Blue Bomber defensive tackle Faith Ekakitie visited Lord Selkirk School in Elmwood to read to a group of Grade 3 students.
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Three books were read to the class before students got a chance to ask question and take a peek through the viewfinder of a Global News camera.
“My kids were super excited to have guest readers come to their class today,” teacher Duncan Telford said.
The school was one of two stops for Ekakitie on Monday.
“It’s given me a chance to explore Winnipeg,” Ekakitie said. “They have a lot of energy and a lot of interesting questions. I enjoy giving back.”
He also teamed up with 680 CJOB morning host Greg Mackling at Governor Semple School in West Kildonan.
“The kids just loved Blue Bomber defensive lineman Faith Ekakitie; he had the kids sitting silently as he read,” Mackling said of the visit.
“What a fantastic opportunity to visit with young people who are engaged, ask really terrific questions, and actually listen to what you’re saying. It’s a contrast to being at home, where my kids have no problem ignoring me.”
The visits were part of I Love to Read contests that ran earlier in February on Global News and 680 CJOB.
The connection was a natural fit. 680 CJOB is the official radio broadcast partner of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Global News is the CFL team’s exclusive community partner.
Every year many schools across the province highlight the importance of literacy by planning special events throughout the month of February and inviting various guests to read.