LaSalle man helps establish at least 13 libraries in Africa
Over the last six years, Phil Ouellette’s local book drives have helped create at least 13 libraries in Africa.
“We put out a plea for books in the community and create a GoFundMe page to help with transportation costs,” the LaSalle resident explained.
Ouellette is hosting his third book drive through the African Library Project, a charity that starts libraries in rural African communities that have little access to literature.
“We have started over 3,000 libraries in Africa. Our goal for 2022 is to establish 300 new libraries across seven countries,” said Lauren Small, African Library Project’s executive director.
Working with international partners and volunteers like Ouellette, the organization aims to provide children with critical thinking skills and foster creativity through the power of books.
“We have alumni readers that are now going on to do great things,” said Small.
“Part of the reason is because they were able to get their hands on books to expand their mind, and dream of things that they didn't know were otherwise possible.”
This year, Ouellette has raised over 10,000 books through his book drive. Roughly half of those books will be sent to Africa while the remainder will be repurposed for use in the community.
“It's gratifying and I enjoy doing it,” said Ouellette. “It’s nice that you can tell it’s appreciated on the other end.”
The books must be packed into shipping containers in New Orleans before being flown to Africa. To combat the high shipping costs, Ouellette will be driving to New Orleans to deliver the books himself.
“The most economical way is to rent a trailer, hook it up to my truck and drive them down there. It's a four or five day project to get them down there,” he said.
For more information on how to host a local book drive and other ways to get involved, visit www.africanlibraryproject.org
(Courtesy Phil Ouellette)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
BREAKING Man wanted in connection with deadly shooting in Toronto tops list of most wanted fugitives in Canada
A 35-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of Toronto resident 29-year-old Sharmar Powell-Flowers nine months ago has topped the list of the BOLO program’s 25 most wanted fugitives across Canada, police announced Tuesday.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Fire engulfs old Edmonton municipal airport hangar
A historical hangar at the former Edmonton municipal airport beside the NAIT main campus was on fire Monday night.
Soft skills, preparation can help new graduates land jobs, experts say
As new graduates enter the workforce over the next few weeks, they are likely to face challenges getting their foot in the door and must be prepared to effectively communicate what they bring to the company.
RCMP uncovers plot to sell drones and equipment to Libya
The RCMP says it has uncovered a ploy to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.