Monster fair helps with books galore

Geelong cancer patients, people suffering financial hardship or homelessness, and disfigured children in Asia all have something in common.
Buying a novel, biography or cookbook at the Geelong West Rotary Club’s Monster Book Fair could change all of their lives.
“All these people, and many more, are the ones who benefit from the projects supported by the Rotary Club of Geelong West,” said club president David Dadds.
The fair was the club’s major annual fundraiser and had raised tens of thousands of dollars for its various projects in past years, he said.
The club has channelled the money into the Barwon Health Patient Transport, Samaritan House, Operation Newstart, Christ Church Meals Program, Geelong Kokoda Youth Program and Interplast.
“Not to mention all of the many smaller charitable programs that apply to the club for grants each year,” David added.
The first Monster Book Fair for 2018 runs at Geelong West Town Hall from Friday to Sunday, with literally thousands of books in a variety of genres on offer.
“Our members have been collecting and sorting books for months,” David said.
“All it takes for you to change a life is a gold coin donation and a book purchase of $2 or just $1 for children’s books – nothing could be easier.
“Visitors to the fair will not only pick up a bargain, they will be helping us to change the lives of the many people that benefit from what Rotary does, both locally and overseas. It’s a win win!”
The fair helped people suffering illness, disadvantage and hardship every year, while making a difference to the environment, David said.
“Book fairs like ours are the perfect vehicle to recycle books and save them from being sent to landfill,” he explained.
“That can only have a positive effect on reducing waste, and that in turn benefits the environment.”
The Geelong Regional Libraries Corporation and locals have donated hundreds of books to event.
The corporation had supported the fair for several years, David said.