Mirren encourages donations to UK literacy Christmas appeal

Dame Helen Mirren is encouraging people to support the Christmas appeal for children’s literacy charity UK Reads.

The charity is an initiative of the World Literacy Foundation, an international charity working in the UK, US, Africa, South America and Australia to eradicate illiteracy by 2040. This Christmas, UK reads aims to reach 6,000 children living in poverty with their first ever books.

Mirren said: “The effects of the pandemic on the most vulnerable children's education remains a serious issue. Learning to read and write is a fundamental skill and sets children up to excel at school and in life, but illiteracy is a reality for too many and has been exacerbated by school closures and the huge economic struggle so many families face. If you can, please give a gift to the UK Reads Christmas appeal.” 

She continued: “Your donation will provide books to children who need them most. Your generosity has the power to help turn the page on illiteracy and change a child’s story forever. Please give what you can.” 

Caroline Burkie, head of UK Reads, said: “Children living in deprived communities, have missed out on key literacy development milestones. With schools shut for months and huge numbers of pupils unable to access home learning resources, there is a serious risk of millions of children becoming illiterate adults. This means they are less likely to find employment and access the healthcare they need. The children we support don’t choose the opening chapter of their lives, but we have the power to help change the story of their future."