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Starbucks Announces Partnership With The National Literacy Trust

Starbucks Announces Partnership With The National Literacy Trust

Published 10-18-00

Submitted by Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks Coffee Company (United Kingdom) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company (Nasdaq; SBUX), announced today its long-term commitment to help the communities in which it operates through a partnership with the National Literacy Trust (NLT).

Through a unique initiative, Starbucks and the NLT aim to strengthen literacy in the United Kingdom (UK) and promote the fun and fundamentals of reading.

Almost one in four of the adult population in the UK have reading and writing skills that limit their daily lives and in many homes children grow up in a “book free” environment. Literacy is a key skill for personal fulfilment and successful integration into society.

“Starbucks is in an ideal position to help promote literacy,” said Howard Schultz, chairman and chief global strategist of Starbucks Coffee Company. “Historically coffeehouses have always been home to the exchange of ideas, and today many Starbucks stores are favourite locations to relax, read and write.”

Starbucks will make an initial £50,000 donation to launch and develop a ground-breaking initiative, “Reading Is Fundamental (RIF).” This initiative, with the help of libraries, will bring books to economically disadvantaged areas in the UK. This new initiative will bring together the enthusiasm of Starbucks partners (employees) and the knowledge and experience of librarians to meet the needs of young families. RIF promotes reading for pleasure by providing opportunities for children to choose free books of their own at exciting events.

“A love of reading has very special benefits for children, it can be the magic key that shapes their imagination, self-confidence and mental abilities.” said Neil McClelland,
director of the NLT. “I am delighted that Starbucks has chosen to partner with the NLT to develop this unique programme which will bring books and reading to many families”.

Starbucks is passionate about helping others. The inspiration for the company’s charitable involvement stems from when Schultz read Amazing Grace, by Jonathan Kozol. He was deeply moved by its portrait of the ravaged lives of poor children, which motivated Schultz to involve Starbucks in charitable pursuits.

“Developing solid reading skills is fundamental to a child’s future success”, said Schultz. “This project will encourage kids to read and will make a difference to the lives of underprivileged children.”

Starbucks has a history of community involvement and has been highly acclaimed for its charitable work in the United States. The Starbucks Foundation was established in the United States in 1997 and over the last year has reached thousands of families and children worldwide through a variety of literacy programmes.

Starbucks Coffee Company (United Kingdom) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Starbucks Coffee Company, the leading retailer, roaster and brand of specialty coffee in the world. In addition to its retail locations in North America, the United Kingdom and the Pacific Rim, Starbucks sells whole bean coffees through its specialty sales group, direct response business, supermarkets and online at starbucks.com. Additionally, Starbucks produces and sells bottled Frappuccino® coffee drink and a line of premium ice creams through its joint venture partnerships, and offers a line of innovative premium teas produced by its wholly owned subsidiary, Tazo Tea Company.

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Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks Corporation

It's the way we do business Contributing positively to our communities and environment is so important to Starbucks that it's a guiding principle of our mission statement. We jointly fulfill this commitment with partners (employees), at all levels of the company, by getting involved together to help build stronger communities and conserve natural resources.

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