Book sale to support kid’s education

THIS weekend’s regular book sale hosted by members of Rotary Club of Ballarat East will see out three months of support for non-profit organisation The Smith Family.

Held on the first Saturday of every month, Rotary members will open the doors of their sale site at Ballarat Airport’s Shed 44 from 9am to 1pm on Saturday 2 December.

The club’s president David Stokes has been a personal donor to The Smith Family for about five years and said it’s a worthy charity to give to.

“They look after our Australian kids and their focus is on education,” he said. “They know it’s critical to their future.

“So far we’ve raised about $1500 each month for them from our October and November sales. We’ll see what December produces but there’s a good chance they’ll have about $4500 to $5000 at the end.”

The Smith Family aims to support disadvantaged kids with their education.

Have relaunched their book sale last year after a two-year hiatus, funds have recently been directed to groups like the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, and Uniting Care, as well as efforts like flood relief and youth leadership programs.

The majority of books will be $1 to $3 while higher priced items will be stored at the space’s back room.

For the first, all children who attend the sale will receive five free books.

Edwin Gill has spent 10 years volunteering with The Smith Family and 30 years supporting the organisation, and said it’s “absolutely vital” the charity is supported with initiatives like the book sales.

“To turn around the life of one child is always worthwhile,” he said.

“This money will go into things like reading support programs for the kids to help them catch up if they’ve fallen behind with their literacy skills.

“There’s also the fundamental Learning for Life programs which provide financial support and wraparound for families and access to other supportive programs.”