Book lovers support chaplaincy program
Horsham College Chaplaincy Committee’s biannual book fair will return to Ian Maroske Hall this week.
Hundreds of books and magazines will be up for grabs on Friday and Saturday, with proceeds going towards funding the college’s two chaplains.
The chaplaincy committee raises $32,000 each year for chaplain salaries and programs at Horsham College.
Chaplaincy committee chairwoman Yolande Grosser said there were hundreds of new and secondhand books for purchase.
“We have such a wide range of material. There are special and rare books but also the latest cooking magazines,” she said.
“This year we have a large range of children’s books.
“It will be a lovely community event that will allow people to afford really nice books that they might not be able to afford otherwise.”
Books for the fair are donated by people from across the Wimmera.
“It’s so incredible, the books people have,” Mrs Grosser said.
She said the committee was looking for new members to help continue fundraising.
“We would love new members, they don’t have to have students at the school,” she said.
“The chaplains are so important because they provide students with a person to work with who isn’t a teacher or parent.
“This relationship is really valuable for some students.”
The chaplains are running a ‘shine and strength’ program for year seven and eight students focusing on skills and strengths.
An onsite café run by students will provide food at the fair.
Money collected at the cafe funds a scholarship, given to a student at the college and aimed to encourage and motivate. The fair will run from noon to 9pm on Friday and 9am to noon, Saturday.
Children’s books and magazines cost 50 cents, with all other books $1.