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ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

1 February 2010


I CAN, the children's communication charity, is giving everyone the perfect way to express their LOVE this Valentine's Day through a special eBay auction, launched today 1st February 2010.

I CAN's unique Adopt a Word initiative, supported by Collins Dictionary, allows people the chance to take home their very own piece of the English Language and the opportunity to win the ultimate romantic prize. The word LOVE will go home to the highest eBay bidder on the 12th of February with a framed letter of 'ownership' from Collins Dictionary, The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World and a gourmet selection of prose and poetry exploring the resonance of love.

All proceeds will go towards I CAN's work with children who struggle to speak and understand words. Adopt a Word has had support from luminaries such as HRH Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, Sir Paul McCartney and renowned word lover Stephen Fry.

I CAN's Chief Executive, Virginia Beardshaw says, "Love is so important. The ability to express your love and build relationships with family members is underpinned by communication skills – the foundation on which we learn, achieve and interact with others. This auction is the perfect chance for cupids to show the power of their love this February, whilst also helping children across the UK who have difficulty finding their own words."

If LOVE isn't quite your thing this Valentine's day, there are still plenty of other words available at www.adoptaword.com. So whether you want to buy 'sugar' for your honey, 'secret ' for a crush or 'magic' for your best mate, the word can be exclusively theirs for a whole year from just £20.
To make a bid for LOVE this Valentine's Day log on to eBay.co.uk

Ends

Press Contact:
For further information, images or an interview with an Adopt a Word spokesperson, please contact Annie Broadbent in the I CAN Press Office on 020 7843 2543 or email abroadbent@ican.org.uk

Notes to editors:


About the love auction


  • The ultimate bundle of LOVE is available to the highest bidder from 22.00 on Monday 1st February 2010 until 22:00 on Thursday 11th February.
  • The successful bidder wins official ownership of the word 'love' for one year, a special edition printed certificate and framed letter of 'ownership' from Collins, The Times Comprehensive Atlas of the World plus a selection of love poems and stories from Harper Collins in paperback and audio CD.
  • The love auction forms part of I CAN's Adopt a Word initiative which, supported by Collins, gives people across the UK, the chance to exclusively own a piece of the English language for one year from just £20. For more information go to www.adoptaword.com

About I CAN


  • I CAN is the children's communication charity.
  • We are here to ensure that no child is left out or left behind because of a difficulty speaking or understanding.
  • One in ten children have more severe difficulties and need long term support.
  • In some socially deprived parts of the UK, upwards of 50% of children are starting school with poor language skills.
  • I CAN's mission is to make sure that everyone in contact with children knows how important communication is, what a communication difficulty looks like and what they can do to help. We do this through:
    • Increasing public awareness of the problems children face
    • Giving expert advice to parents and families about what to look out for and what to do
    • Providing assessments for children so that their families know what support will meet their needs
    • Giving teachers and people working with children the skills to help children who struggle
    • Campaigning to ensure children and families get a better deal.
  • At the very heart of I CAN are our special schools which give expert care and  education to children with problems so severe their needs cannot be met elsewhere. For more information on I CAN log onto www.ican.org.uk or www.talkingpoint.org.uk.

 



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