Camden’s Paint the Town REaD continues to help young children in the area with the donation of 100 books to Turning Point Camden Inc last week.

The early literacy initiative encourages the community to read, talk, sing and rhyme with children from birth to help them be ready to learn at school.

Turning Point Camden Inc coordinator Davina Smith said the books would make a massive difference for the not-for-profit welfare centre.

“When a family arrives at our centre for support, books are a great distraction for children while interviews take place,” Ms Smith said.

“When reading is already part of a client’s life, the client will actually light up, changing their initial stress of asking for help to sheer joy and not being self-conscious of their current situation.

“We value these books because a book opens doors to a place outside of trauma and stress, and with families experiencing these pressures, a book can be a true escape whilst building also developing a young mind or stimulating an older mind.”

Mayor of Camden, Cr Theresa Fedeli said Camden’s Paint the Town REaD is a fantastic initiative to provide books for families to enjoy.

“Reading to children from a young age has several benefits including helping a child’s brain, social skills and communication skills to develop,” Cr Fedeli said.

“The Camden Paint the Town REaD initiative aims to encourage parents with children aged up to five with preparing for school as well as support children and families with the importance of reading up to the age of 12.

“I am glad we could help a great not-for-profit organisation in Turning Point Camden last week.”

For more information on the Camden Paint the Town REaD initiative, go to www.camdenkids.com.au/camden-paint-the-town-read