Fine plan helps hungry

ALMOST two tonnes of food was donated to help Geelong people in need through a regional library initiative.

The Geelong Library Corporation’s Food for Fines campaign allowed people to wipe out their overdue library fines by donating non-perishable food items in December.

In a huge take-up, 1968kg was collected and then donated to the Geelong Food Relief Centre.

The total figure was an increase of 80 per cent from 2016.

The Geelong Food Relief Centre assists more than 8000 families annually.

Library corporation chair Margot Smith was proud of the impact the initiative was able to have.

“It is such a positive campaign,” Cr Smith said.

“Our library members can have their overdue fines waived, and large quantities of nonperishable food are collected in time to make a difference to families in need over the Christmas period.”