Port Saint John Launches “Champ” Mascot and Storybook at Community Day
SAINT JOHN (NB) – Champ, an adventurous harbour seal, and Port Saint John’s new mascot, will be introduced at the Port’s 5th Annual Community Day on June 7th (11 am – 3 pm).The mascot and its accompanying storybook, Port City Champ, were created in 2014 by writer Hilary Paige Smith.“Champ is a fantastic addition to the suite of educational outreach activities the Port has taken on in recent years,” says Jim Quinn, President & CEO of Port Saint John. “We’re really looking forward to launching it at Community Day.”The story, designed for children 5-8, chronicles the adventures of an inquisitive harbour seal as he talks to people and animals living in, working at, or visiting the port city. It was originally read aloud to Summer Reading Club participants at libraries in the Fundy region (St. Stephen to Sussex).This past winter illustrator Holly DeWolf brought Champ’s adventures to life and this spring local creative agency, Duke, and printing company, INCOLOR, worked with Port Saint John to produce the story in book form.“Champ and his story will be a focal point of Port Saint John’s own Community Day display, which will be outside in the parking lot between the terminals this year,” says Paula Copeland, Manager of Corporate Communications for Port Saint John. “Champ will be front and centre all afternoon, meeting and greeting his community and introducing his book. He will also roam the site visiting attendees and handing out 500 copies of the book.”Long-range plans for the book include reading outreach to libraries, schools and community groups. After Community Day, the books will be available for purchase at $4.99 each with proceeds going to the Saint John Free Public Library. Beginning June 8th the book will be available for purchase at the Butcher’s Daughter in the City Market.Last year more than 8,000 people attended Community Day—we hope you’ll join us this year and welcome Champ to our community.For more information on Community Day, visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PortSaint John.
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Media Contact: Paula CopelandManager of Corporate Communications & Governancepcopeland@109.199.110.97t. (506) 636-4674c. (506) 650-5288