Support for vital program

Horsham College Chaplaincy Committee chairwoman Yolande Grosser has praised the community for again supporting a biannual book fair to raise money for a ‘vital’ program.

Last week’s book fair raised $4600 towards the college’s chaplaincy program.

“To raise so much money was fantastic,” Mrs Grosser said.

“We have to raise $26,000 each year, which is a bit terrifying, but with two book fairs a year, some other things and regular cheques from supporters we’re able to do it.

“The money goes towards wages for a fulltime chaplaincy program, which is shared between Kate Polack and Greg Mckinnon.

“It’s wonderful because it means there is someone who is not a teacher who can walk among the students and help them with what they are going through, five days a week.”

Mrs Grosser said the large number of patrons who attended the fair had a wealth of books, magazines and other products to choose from. “The variety was amazing,” she said. “We’ll do a big cull before the next book fair later in the year. We get rid of anything old and ratty, along with magazines that don’t sell to ensure we always have fresh material coming through. The items we cull are all recycled.”

Mrs Grosser thanked the students who helped set up the fair, along with the year 11s who cooked ‘international’ soups to feed hungry booklovers.

“They all did a great job and it means a lot to have their support,” she said.

“The book fair is a real community event, which is lovely. It is very uplifting.”