Interview with Brett Collinge

Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Vancouver but spent much of my earlier life in Seattle. After graduating from high school in Seattle, I returned to Vancouver to attend UBC where I have recently completed my bachelor's degree in Biochemistry. I am now working in the department of Lymphoid Cancer Research at BC Cancer Research Centre and will be continuing my studies next fall.

How did you become involved in the Reading Bear Society?

I first got involved with the Reading Bear Society when one of my friends invited me to come along with them to help bag books for an upcoming school visit. As I learned more about the amazing work of the RBS, I decided this was an organization that I would like to get more involved with.

What is your best memory of RBS?

My favorite memory with the RBS would have to be visiting children at Canuck Place to read and sing. Each visit has been uniquely special, and it has been a remarkable experience visiting such amazing kids.

Why do you support the RBS?

I am a strong believer that the most successful way to address an issue is by addressing the source of that issue. The RBS addresses issues of social inequality at a fundamental level by promoting early literacy and providing children with an opportunity to engage in reading.On a more personal note, as someone who was raised by a single mother who frequently travelled for work, my childhood is a living testament to the saying "it takes a village to raise a child". As not all are fortunate enough to be surrounded by a strong community, I appreciate the Reading Bear Society's efforts to create community-based programs and collaborate with other organizations such as mom2mom.

What is your current role with the RBS?

I have slowly expanded my role within the RBS since first starting. I am currently part of the RBS communications team where I help to manage the RBS social media accounts. More recently I have also started taking part in visits to Canuck place.