Read to Sydney is a non-profit organization helping kids to read “one tail at a time”. Sydney’s friends can be found at Cagan Crossing, Cooper Memorial, East Lake County, and The Winter Garden Libraries
Thom, a south Lake County resident, adopted Sydney, an Australian Sheppard and Chow mix, from a no-kill shelter. Sydney received training and accreditation as a therapy dog. With Thom acting as her trainer/handler, she started visiting an area nursing home to bring comfort and smiles to the faces of the residents. She has visited area schools where the children receive education in the humane treatment of animals and libraries where the children have an opportunity to read to her. Thom is a passionate advocate of animal rights. He has adopted several shelter dogs and has volunteered at a local shelter.
Wanting to do, even more, Thom and other supporters started the nonprofit organization, Read To Sydney, with the goal to provide south Lake County with humane education for grade school children, humane education events for the entire family, and visits to local nursing homes.
Read to Sydney also has its own Reading and Learning Center inside the West Oaks Mall.
Since January 1, 2019, Read to Sydney has donated over 1,400 books to local schools, libraries and children at special events. Over 2,000 children, young adults, and parents have interacted with “Toby” from Read to Sydney.
The organization is currently raising money for “Toby” Book Mobile. If would like to support the cause, make funds payable to Read to Sydne and remit to: Read to Sydney, PO Box 1519, Minneola FL 34755.
To learn more about Read to Sydney, Volunteer, request a visit from Toby or to see where the group will be next, visit www.readtosydney.org. You can reach out to one of Sydney’s friends at 407-247-8595 or email us at: readtosydney@aol.com
