Beem Credit Union (formerly Interior Savings) Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week will take place January 25–February 1, 2025, supporting Family Literacy Day® on January 27. The goal is to encourage families to:
- balance screen time with active family time
- connect more with each other
- spend at least 15 minutes a day together doing activities that build literacy skills
The week is an opportunity to take a break from electronic devices and to enjoy the health benefits of connecting with friends and family, which inspired Beem Credit Union Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week.
"At Beem Credit Union, we believe in the power of connection—both within families and across communities,” said Brian Harris, Chief Executive Officer, Beem Credit Union. “Supporting initiatives like Unplug and Play Family Literacy Week aligns with our commitment to fostering healthy relationships, lifelong learning, and mental well-being. Taking even a short break from screens to read, play, or share a moment together can create lasting memories and strengthen bonds. We're proud to champion this initiative, helping families rediscover the joys of time spent together while nurturing literacy skills for life."
Since the program started 14 years ago, nearly 9,000 students have participated in the annual Beem Credit Union Unplug and Play Student Challenge. Through the years, students reflected on their experience and commented that they enjoyed spending more time with their family and friends and discovering new screen-free habits.
The week starts with ABC Family Literacy Day on Saturday, January 25, at the John Tod Centre Y. It’s a fun-filled morning of free activities for families with children aged five and under.
The weeklong event offers free opportunities to build literacy skills and manage screen time. It includes activities that can be done in your own time at your own pace, such as an all-ages colouring contest with the Thompson-Nicola Regional Library and Beem Credit Union.
Other family events include a magic show, Try-it Sledge Hockey, Taiko Drumming, and fun fitness. The City of Kamloops will be hosting several free activities during the week:
- Sunday, January 26: Family Fun Swim at Westsyde Pool and Fitness Centre
- Wednesday, January 29: Skills and Tips Public Skate at Valleyview Arena (registration required)
- Friday, January 31: Family Sport Night (registration required)
“Spending time together as a family strengthens relationships and supports a lifelong literacy journey. By encouraging reading in the home and doing everyday things together, like playing board games, cooking and baking, and spending time moving our bodies, we can improve both adult and child literacy skills,” said Jodi Lebourdais, Chair of the Unplug and Play Committee and Literacy in Kamloops Program Coordinator.
Community partner organizations will offer free pickup and take-home kits as well as in-person and virtual activities. As the title sponsor, Beem Credit Union encourages everyone to check out all of the activities planned for the week. For the schedule of events and more registration information, visit LiteracyInKamloops.ca or the Kamloops Unplug and Play Facebook page. You can also pick up a schedule of events at any Beem Credit Union in Kamloops.
About: Literacy in Kamloops works with community partners to address the literacy needs of everyone. We run free literacy programs and events for children, adults, and seniors along with free books to families and reading support to increase literacy levels and improve life chances.
