Helping others is just fine
GEELONG Regional Library Corporation will collect food donations for people in need while waiving fines for damaged or lost books through the annual Food for Fines appeal.
The GRLC will waive library fines in exchange for donations of non-perishable food items until December 14.
The libraries will give the food to the Geelong Food Relief Centre which assists individuals and families enduring personal hardship through their emergency food relief program.
Geelong Regional Library Corporation chair Cr Ron Nelson said that as well as making a difference to local people doing it tough, Food for Fines provided a great opportunity for library members to return overdue books.
“If you have been keeping away from the library because of your overdue fines then here is your chance to get back to visiting your local branch and borrowing books again,” he said. “At the same time, you will have the opportunity to donate generously to support local people who are experiencing food insecurity.”
The Geelong Food Relief Centre is a not-for-profit organisation assisting individuals and families in need through the delivery of nutritious food.
Last year, almost two tonnes of food was donated by library members through the appeal, representing an 80 per cent increase on 2016.
Library members can make a food donation at any Geelong Regional Library branch during the appeal period and food products should have an expiration date of May 2019 or later.