# I CAN sells off English language a word at a time

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2008/10/27/i-can-sells-english-language-word-time/
- Published: 2008-10-27T10:00:05+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

![](https://www.fundraising.co.uk/files/images/news/Adoptaword_1224862426.gif)

Children’s communication charity I CAN, supported by dictionary publishers Collins,
is giving supporters the chance to own part of the English language. You can now‘
adopt a word’, with all proceeds going to I CAN.

The charity is promoting the campaign as a good alternative Christmas present.

Words are available from £20, and “are yours to look after for a whole year, to 
punctuate and place in sentences as you like”.

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Dictionary makers for 175 years, Collins has donated a strong database of words 
to I CAN from Collins English Dictionary.

 [⌊Charity in the dictionary⌉](http://www.flickr.com/photos/howardlake/2969641664)

English lexicographer and resident dictionary expert on TV’s ‘Countdown’, Susie 
Dent, has already adopted ‘moonset’ because “(it) was the late, great Richard Whiteley’s
favourite word on Countdown, a show I have been with for over fifteen years.”

Former Spice Girl Mel C chose ‘Red’ as “it is my favourite colour”.

Timmy Mallett, host of the word association game, ‘Mallett’s Mallet’, opted for 
the word ‘brilliant’ as “it reflects my feeling about each day. There’s always something
brilliant to enjoy!”

Virginia Beardshaw, Chief Executive of I CAN said: “Adopt a word provides a unique,
feel-good gift for anyone and everyone. By giving words this Christmas, you can 
help I CAN make a difference to those children for whom speaking and understanding
words is an everyday challenge.”

Those adopting a word will receive a gift pack containing an official certificate
and an ‘after care’ booklet providing fun tips and advice on how to look after their
new addition.

www.adoptaword.com

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