Bookfest supports the SoupBus

INTERCLUB’S latest Bookfest has raised $570 for the Ballarat SoupBus to support families during the Christmas season.

The event, which is supported by That Little Bookshop, also saw $570 donated to InterClub, a drop-in centre that supports adults with disabilities.

InterClub coordinator Margie Iafrate thanked That Little Bookshop owner Wayne Compton for his support of the Ballarat community.

“Wayne said that because so many families are doing it tough, he felt [The SoupBus] was a worthwhile group of people to support to help them with Christmas,” Ms Iafrate said.

“Wayne took us on to support us 12 months ago and now we’ve branched out [so] that we are supporting other local groups as well.

“It is wonderful for the disability community for them to feel a part of that process.”

For the first time, the weekend began with a book bargain night on Friday where all books were $3.

“That was an outstanding success, we were busy for the four hours we opened the door,” Ms Iafrate said.

The book bargain night was so popular it will return at February’s Bookfest, which will support another local organisation.

“Our charter at InterClub for our members… is for them to feel a part of their local community and for them to feel as though they are giving back,” Ms Iafrate said.

“We are all committed to supporting our local people and our local organisations who we feel are doing an outstanding job.”