Help ONE TO ONE support children’s literacy in B.C. with a super fun spelling bee fundraiser

What do you think is the most accurate predictor of a child’s academic success in later years? No, it’s not family income, education level of the parents, or cultural identity. It’s the ability to read proficiently.

Research shows that a child’s literacy level by the end of Grade 3 is a window into the future, and that strong literacy skills are associated with better employment opportunities, higher lifetime earnings, higher health literacy, a healthy sense of self-esteem, and more.

ONE TO ONE

However, one in every 11 school children in B.C. needs some extra help when it comes to reading confidently, and that’s where you can step in by attending a super fun (and slightly competitive) lunchtime event at VanDusen Botanical Garden on June 11, and leading your team to victory in the Spelling Bee Challenge.

ONE TO ONE also always accepts applications from passionate volunteers, if that’s something you’re interested in too.

ONE TO ONE’s Spelling Bee Challenge

ONE TO ONE

The Spelling Bee Challenge was first introduced as ONE TO ONE’s signature fundraising event in 2005, and is making its first in-person reappearance since 2019. It features a catered lunch, silent auction, stories of impact, and, of course, a spelling competition.

Your employees are probably dying to spice up their lunch break, and the Spelling Bee Challenge is a fantastic way to celebrate workers, connect with clients, or a little bit of both. Plus, the competition is team-based, so no stage fright here!

Register your team of up to eight players, or join as an individual speller, and get ready to square off in a three-round spelling bee, where the grand prize is bragging rights and knowing that you’re helping support children’s literacy in B.C.

Bridging the literacy gap

ONE TO ONE

Your support comes with tangible results. ONE TO ONE provides reading support to over 1,600 students in 114 schools across 14 communities, led by more than 500 tutors.

And those numbers could be higher – last year, teachers involved in ONE TO ONE’s programming reported that they would’ve recommended nearly 50 per cent more students to the program than it had capacity to serve.

Get your tickets today

ONE TO ONE

Tickets are on sale now for $125 plus fees. There are also sponsorship opportunities available at the Queen Bee ($10,000), Honey Bee ($5,000), and Worker Bee ($2,500) levels. If you’re already a monthly donor or want to sign up to be one, you’ll get a special offer on tickets!

All proceeds from the Spelling Bee Challenge will go toward ONE TO ONE’s in-person and virtual tutoring programs, and you’ll be issued a donation receipt for the portion of your ticket that is tax-deductible.

When it comes to reading success, early intervention is key. So take this opportunity to step away from your desk and help close the literacy gap in B.C.

ONE TO ONE Literacy’s 2026 Spelling Bee Challenge

Where: VanDusen Botanical Garden — 5251 Oak St., Vancouver
When: Thursday, June 11
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $125