THE HAMILTON branch of the worldwide organisation, Anglican Church Mothers’ Union, is hosting their annual Anglican Book Fair and this year they are celebrating their 30th anniversary of fundraising.
Over the last 30 years, the committee has raised $306,000 which has provided much needed funds to many charitable organisations.
The book fair will be operating out of the two vacant shops, immediately to the right at the top of the travelators in the Hub, next to Lincraft.
The committee currently has a surplus of good quality second-hand books to sell and request that members of the public do not bring any more donations until further notice.
Mother’s Union president Susan Mason said, “we are a bit overwhelmed with an abundance of books, so we won’t be accepting any more at the moment”.
“What we do need is more volunteers – so if you’ve got time to spare, we’d love your assistance,” she said.
“Come and see us at the book stall.”
The money raised has traditionally gone to multiple organisations, however, in the last five years they have split the funding three ways, one third each to a local organisation, a national organisation and to an international organisation.
This way of distributing funding helps select organisations do more, with more.
Last year we gave locally to Hamilton’s Community House.
“We also gave to a national food bank organisation and have provided funds to the Anglican Board of Missions to assist with COVID-19 vaccinations in third world countries,” Mrs Mason said.
This year, the Hamilton Institute of Rural Learning (HIRL) will be the local beneficiary to receive financial assistance for ongoing running costs.
Anglicare Warrnambool will also be a beneficiary for their food distribution network, which covers the region from Colac to the South Australian border and as far north as Horsham, stating the current need for donations is dire.
The international donation will again go to the Anglican Board of Missions.
Mrs Mason paid tribute to the proprietors of the Hub who provide the space for the book fair free of charge.
“They have been extremely generous once again, in allowing the Mothers’ Union to use the double space, for our annual book fair,” she said.
The Anglican Book Fair runs from this Thursday up until Easter.
