Two years ago Port Alberni resident Mark Vandervelde wrote a children’s storybook with a message that is as timely this year as any other year.
The underlying theme for the winter story is about poverty, homelessness and how one man is inspired to do his part to help those less fortunate.
Vandervelde will be reading from his book Pizza for Everyone this Saturday, Dec. 1 from 1–3 p.m. at Curious Coho Books on lower Johnston Road.
Pizza for Everyone is artfully illustrated and contains magic and fun, but also touches on a little of the reality of those who, the protagonist discovers, are living in an alleyway. Ben Turner feels compelled to do something, and with the aid of his philanthropic boss he discovers a magic that is deeper than a never-empty pizza box.
“As a father I’ve always recognized the importance of reading to my children when they were very young,” says Vandervelde. “Christmas has always been a special time of the year to try and read them something seasonal and meaningful.”
Pizza for Everyone sells for $15 per copy. Vandervelde will donate $2 per copy sold to the Port Alberni Shelter Society.
Panago has donated several pizzas for Vandervelde’s reading on Saturday. Anyone who would like pizza can buy a slice for $1; this will also be donated to the shelter.
Pizza for Everyone will be available at Curious Coho and at Main Artery.