Free Pass for Dads

 532 fathers who go the extra mile to help out their children and their schools will be rewarded for their hard work in the week leading up to Father’s Day.  One dad in each Duffy school will be the recipient of a special book as part of the Scholastic Caught Being a Good Dad Award run by literacy charity Duffy Books in Homes.

This year’s award, sponsored by Scholastic New Zealand, is Press Pass by Geoff Dale.  Dale's retrospective of news and sports in New Zealand over the past forty years provides a thoughtful, provocative and insightful collection of iconic images and memories.  The book is accompanied by a special certificate which is presented to each winning father.

Kids in Duffy schools around the country have been busy telling their school just why their dad should win an award which celebrates their vital contribution to school life.

Schools will vote, hold writing competitions or even make lucky draws if the decision is too tough.  One dad will receive a copy of Press Pass and a certificate at a special assembly.

Duffy Books in Homes General Manager, Linda Vagana, says “Encouraging family literacy is one of our key goals so we’re thrilled that we can acknowledge some of our great dads and male role models within our communities.  This would not have been possible without our great partner Scholastic NZ for once again sponsoring such a wonderful award.”

Since the official launch in 1995 with 80 schools, 16,000 students and 14 sponsors, the Duffy Books in Homes programme has grown to encompass 532 schools, around 100,000 students and 200 sponsors in 2012.  More than eight million books have been distributed to children in low-decile schools since its inception and the programme now distributes more than 600,000 books annually.