The Moncton Wildcats’ Reading Is Wild program is now in its 17th year and has reached an impressive milestone.
The Reading Is Wild program began in 1998. The goal of the campaign was to capitalize on the popularity of the Moncton Wildcats and use the players as a motivational tool to encourage children to read.
Monday, the hockey team held two assemblies in Moncton schools to celebrate one million books read.
“We've worked with over 45 schools in this region, as well as over 20,000 students participating to reach that milestone, which is huge,” says Robert Irving, team president.
Students at Magnetic Hill School celebrated with a reading from star student Ainsley and a rendition of ‘The Hockey Sweater’ by Wildcats forward Conor Garland.
“It's obviously great giving back to the community, our fans usually start at this age, so it's nice to be able to meet them and read to them,” says Garland.
With one million books behind them, the Wildcats are looking ahead to a new goal.
“It's always to reach for the stars, so I would say the next goal is to go for the next million, to get to two million,” says Irving.
With four schools participating in Reading Is Wild this year, the new generation of Wildcats fans could hit that mark in no time.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Cami Kepke
