Jumbo Spring Book Fair brings in a motser

THE figures for Bendigo Foodshare’s AFL Grand Final long weekend Spring Bendigo Book Fair have been tallied, with $41,689 worth of second-hand books, DVDs, CDs, records and other miscellaneous items sold, bringing the total amount raised during the past two years to over $250,000.

Foodshare estimates that there were around 20,000 books and other items sold, with thousands of people passing through the Town Hall’s doors on each of the three days.

Books were sorted into categories and prices started at 50 cents for children’s books, $3 for non-fiction books, $4 for novels, while collectables were individually priced.

More than 50 volunteers helped out and all unsold items have been packed up to be featured in future Fairs, including the next major one taking place next Easter.

The charity’s CEO Michelle Murphy said the fundraising dollars provide a much needed boost to the organisation’s food relief efforts, helping it to continue to source, sort and distribute food to around 15,500 people across central Victoria each week.

“The Spring Bendigo Book Fair is only made possible because of the generosity of our volunteers who give their time all year round to make our Book Fairs a success,” she said.

“We’re continually humbled by the unwavering support of our local community, and again we are reminded that the community spirit of Bendigo is as vibrant as ever.”

Bendigo Foodshare also accepts donations all year round via its website, bank/EFT transfers, cheque payments or at any Bendigo Bank.