The Crows midfielder enjoys taking time out from his busy schedule to read to his two-year-old daughter Ava.
So he was more than happy to settle into the cushions and read "Slinky Malinki" by children's author Lynley Dodd, to a group of children who will benefit from the Crows Foundations' recent donation of $10,000 towards a reading program in the northern/western communities of Adelaide.
Along with Thompson, injured ruckman Brad Moran was on hand to read to the pre-schoolers and sign autographs at the Playford Civic Centre during National Book week in late August.
Let's Read is an initiative of the Centre for Community Child Health, aimed at promoting the importance of reading to children from birth.
The program is being developed and implemented across Australia in partnership with The Smith Family.
The initiative encourages parents to read to their children from as young as four months of age, in a bid to prepare them for the transition into school. It will make resources, such as books and instructional DVDs, available to families in the area free of charge.
Crows Foundation Chairman Keith Conlon was delighted with the latest work of the charity.
“A love of learning is a vital gift we should give to all of our young people and this program aims to make reading fun," Keith Conlon said.
"The Crows Foundation is delighted to sign up for three years with the team at Let's Read and The Smith Family for this project.
“Sharing books with babies and toddlers is a fun, rewarding experience and easy for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s Read will provide the encouragement and tools parents need to share the enjoyment of reading with their children."
The Crows Foundation is the charity arm of the Adelaide Football Club and since its launch in May 2005 has donated more than $450,000 to a wide range of charities which help children in need across the State.
