Time to bookmark the book market again

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This article was published 14/09/2022 (1447 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

ST. VITAL

The books are coming back.

After a pandemic-induced hiatus, the Children’s Hospital Book Market is set to return to St. Vital Centre.

The popular event, which is held in support of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, will be hosted at the centre (1225 St. Mary’s Rd.) on Fri., Sept 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sat., Sept. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Like so many in-person events across the city, the market has been on hold since the spring of 2020 due to the outbreak of COVID-19. And now, the foundation is grateful for the return of the flagship fundraiser and thankful for the efforts of everyone involved.

The market was established in 1961 and is the longest-running, volunteer-organized fundraiser in support of the foundation. There are usually two markets each year and more than 200 volunteers work hard to help make the markets so successful. Among them is Carol Irving, who has been the event organizer since 2004 and was also involved as a volunteer before that.

“This is a group of beautiful people who all are committed to the cause,” said Stefano Grande, the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba’s president and chief executive officer, noting the number one call he’s received since the start of the pandemic is about when the market is coming back. “This is a step in the right direction for our community to feel normal again.”

All of the proceeds from each market are used to support sick and injured kids who need to use the children’s hospital at Health Sciences Centre. Annually, the sales have typically raised from $300,000 to $500,000 for the foundation.

This means an approximate loss in fundraising revenue of between $1 million and $1.5 million in light of the five most recent potential markets that have had to be cancelled since the start of the pandemic in 2020.

“This has been a huge loss in terms of missed revenue. Thankfully, our generous donors have stepped up and help fill in the gaps,” he said. “We’re now welcoming people back to supporting this important cause.”

For those who’ve not been to the market before, visitors can expect to find thousands of gently used books encompassing many genres, ranging from fiction to self-help and sports memorabilia to children’s books.

“There are comic books, cookbooks, music biographies and spy novels, to name just a few examples. Personally, I love history books about the Greeks and Romans, as well as medieval history and books about the world wars” Grande said.

“We live in an age where so many things are digital, but there’s nothing like being able to touch a feel a book. It’s such a tangible experience. There’s nothing like this in the city. It’s such a cool, time-honoured idea, and a wonderful event for a wonderful cause. People are looking for things to do and causes to support, and everyone is looking forward to it.”

“Kudos to Carol Irving and her gang. We’re deeply appreciative of the work of the 200-plus volunteers, our board, and the community,” he added.

Organizers note the upcoming book market is a sale only and no book donations will be accepted.

Go online at goodbear.ca/events for more information.