Bestselling Edmonton Author Refuses to Ignore Child Poverty at Christmas

    /24-7PressRelease/ - EDMONTON, AB, December 12, 2007 - 20% of the children living in poverty in Georgia, U.S, (NCCP 2007) won't have Christmas presents this year. But one twelve-year-old's Christmas wish will come true this year. Lisa wished for a copy of Edmonton author Cheryl Kaye Tardif's novel Whale Song, and when Cheryl stumbled across the request online, the author jumped into action, resulting in what some people are calling 'a miracle'.

An American nonprofit, Alliance for Children's Enrichment (ACE), sent out its annual Christmas wish list on behalf of less fortunate families in Newnan, Georgia, and Cheryl Kaye Tardif's book Whale Song was on the top of the list.

"I was stunned. There is something so bittersweet yet hopeful about a young girl asking for books for Christmas--and even more touching that she asked for mine," says Tardif.

Cheryl immediately sent a package of autographed books and gifts to ACE, and then contacted other authors, reviewers and publishers to encourage them to donate books and gifts to help complete the sponsorship list. She was then featured in Georgia's Times-Herald on the front page.

"The fight against poverty can only start with action. I wish I could help all the kids on that list," says Cheryl. She is proud to add this new nonprofit to the growing list of Edmonton nonprofits she donates to each year, and encourages everyone to consider sending some Christmas cheer across the border.

"I am awestruck by the thought, by what Cheryl did with this effort," says ACE founder Jan Taylor, "by the writers, by the publishers, I thank you so much. This effort will impact lives, maybe be the catalyst these children need to inspire them to greater things. Too often, poor children and especially children that have been neglected or abused find escapism in drugs, sex, eating disorders, anger and other destructive behaviors. That is why I am thrilled when a child asks for a book."

The Alliance for Children's Enrichment Christmas wish list uses donations and money for Christmas gifts for needy children, as well as assisting families with terminal illnesses. Please contact Jan Taylor - [email protected] to make a donation.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif is the Bestselling author of Whale Song, Divine Intervention, and The River. She was nominated in 2004 for the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Award, and donates a percentage of her royalties from Whale Song to three Edmonton nonprofits—Hope Mission, Mustard Seed Church and Bissell Centre. http://www.cherylktardif.com and http://www.whalesongbook.com

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