WINNIPEG, Sept. 20 /CNW/ - Libraries in 207 elementary schools in
Winnipeg and the surrounding area will soon be receiving a free set of the
best-selling children's book series, Charity's Ant Tales - which promote
tolerance and acceptance - thanks to a partnership between author LeRoy Peters
and Scotiabank.
    Bairdmore School was presented with the first set of books today,
following three NO BULLY ZONE Workshops Peters conducted for grade 4 to
6 students.
    Peters experienced bullying first-hand between the ages of nine to 12 and
began writing the series as a way to generate something positive from negative
memories. Charity's Ant Tales is a series of three books (with two more to
follow) - It's All About Taller Ants, What We Learn From Differ Ants and
Charity Ant's Secret: The True Meaning of Charity - that deliver specific
messages of tolerance, acceptance and courage. Geared to children ages two to
10, the books use ants as a play on words and a fun way for kids to relate and
address issues like accepting physical differences in others and recognizing
that we are all equals and deserve to be accepted for who we are.
    The books were so well-received by parents, teachers and children, that
Peters was inspired to develop the NO BULLY ZONE Teacher & Student Workshops,
which he has delivered to more than 200 schools in Manitoba.
    "I've been bullied and I know how devastating it can be to your
self-esteem and your spirit. The books are a positive way to reach kids and
provide a unique platform for conversation between teachers and students about
the importance of respecting, accepting and celebrating our differences,"
explained LeRoy Peters. "It's vital to reach children at a young age, before
patterns of teasing and bullying set in. That's why I am so excited that
Scotiabank understands the vision and is generously donating a set of books to
every elementary school library in the Winnipeg area."
    "We are inspired by LeRoy's passion to help spread the anti-bullying
message to children, parents and teachers in a positive way," said Terry
Bjornson, Scotiabank's District Vice-President - Winnipeg. "At Scotiabank, the
majority of our community contributions are directed to causes and projects
where we believe that we can make a meaningful, direct impact on local
communities. We're pleased to assist LeRoy in a way that directly benefits
students and educators in our local schools."
    Since 2004 when Peters began conducting his NO BULLY ZONE workshops, more
than 9,000 K - 6 students have taken the NO BULLY ZONE PLEDGE to respect and
stand up for others, remember that everyone is equal and to do their part to
stop teasing and bullying in their school.
    Scotiabank is committed to supporting the communities in which we live
and work, both in Canada and abroad. Recognized as a leader internationally
and among Canadian corporations for its charitable donations and philanthropic
activities, in 2006 the Bank provided more than $42 million in sponsorships
and donations to a variety of projects and initiatives, primarily in the areas
of healthcare, education and social services. Scotiabank is on the World Wide
Web at www.scotiabank.com.