by Emily Iannello
Vandalism and wear and tear on Geelong’s historic Christ Church are driving a Fruits of Labour Fair to help finance repairs.
The church, a long-time provider of meals for Geelong’s homeless, hopes the community will return the generosity.
Member Ruth Christian said the church had an “an enormous restoration bill”.
“It will cost over $3 million to repair.”
Vandals had destroyed four of the church’s original panelled windows despite their protective mesh, Ms Christian said.
“The building costs a lot to keep going and now we need to do something to protect our other windows.
“I guess you could say the fair is the icing on the cake for our maintenance issues.”
Ms Christian said the fair, in the church’s McKillop St parish school hall from 10am to 3pm on 12 July, would have live entertainment, sales fo handmade products and books, a woodwork shop, food and “lots of hand-made socks and beanies”.
Community donations to the fair had been heartening, she said.
“We’re also happy to take orders for our handmade items. We just need to make sure the church itself keeps going.”
