World of Books Group launches new charity dedicated to literacy and the circular economy

Online used books seller World of Books Group has launched a new independent charity, The Wob Foundation, with all donations raised to go directly to causes that support literacy and the circular economy. 

The Wob Foundation aims to “support these core initiatives in communities close to the World of Books Group sites in Coventry and Goring-on-Sea, to create positive impacts locally, now and in the long term". In time, the company plans to support initiatives in the US and in other markets where Wob has facilities, too.

The charity will be operated on a voluntary basis and secure donations from the group’s customers and employees, so that all financial contributions raised can go directly to chosen charities. It will focus on supporting charities that work with disadvantaged groups who find it hard to access books in places such as schools, prisons, youth clubs, libraries, women’s refuges and asylum centres, as well as those who support creative writing in such settings. For charities which support the circular economy, organisers say the Wob Foundation will focus on donations to tangible and measurable programmes that evidently improve the environment.

Martin Nye, the former chair of Wob and now a Wob Foundation Trustee, commented: “The creation of the foundation means that everybody involved with Wob can play their part in supporting carefully selected charities with funding and other practical help. It’s a great initiative."

The Wob Foundation is also led by four other trustees: Katie Waldegrave, Mó Parle, Katie Ratcliffe and Vanessa Connell. Graham Bell, c.e.o. of World of Books Group, commented: “We believe in going the extra mile to make a positive impact on society and the Wob Foundation is a testament to that commitment. We are confident that the Wob Foundation will make a difference and we hope that others will join us in our mission to continue promoting literacy and supporting the circular economy.”