If you’ve spent the better part of the pandemic devouring books, the Rotarians with the Coquitlam Sunrise Club have a solution for you to free up some space.
Until Feb. 28, the 18-member service group will accept gently used page turners for its inaugural book sale that’s happening in the spring.
All genres of literature — including fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry and folktale — can be dropped off for safekeeping at Meridian RV, a Port Coquitlam business that’s owned by club charter member Tom Ramsay.
Alternatively, Tri-City donors can email creatingculture@outlook.com to arrange a curbside pick-up of reading materials (special circumstances only).
Organizer Jennifer McKinnon told the Tri-City News the club is mirroring its fundraiser on the Rotary Club of Chilliwack’s book blowout, which has been happening each year since 1984.
According to its website, the Fraser Valley group has collected more than $350,000 in the past five years for the non-profits and charities it supports such as the Salvation Army, schools, environmental organizations and the Chilliwack General Hospital. Its next annual sale returns to the Chilliwack Heritage Park from Oct. 29 to Nov. 6.
McKinnon hopes the local event will take place sometime in the spring and bring in around $5,000 for the Rotary club’s activities and organizations.
This includes:
- Starfish Pack Program (to fill backpacks for School District 43 students with families in financial need)
- Friends of Refugees
- SHARE Family and Community Services
- Quiz Night at Douglas College
- Meals on Wheels
“Our top priority are the backpacks,” McKinnon told the Tri-City News.
“We don’t want to turn down any schools.”
McKinnon, who also runs the Downtown Port Coquitlam Business Improvement Association, explained that Sunrise Rotarians have been trying to find new ways to build awareness and raise money for the causes safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
And a book sale — in a gym, for shoppers to physically distance — seems like a good plan although no date has been set yet due to the public health order for gatherings and events.
Ramsay, the dealer principal for Meridian RV, said he and his business have helped with the Rotary’s outreach over the past 31 years.
“Like many of the other members, we will put forth time and, whenever possible, resources for such worthy projects such as this upcoming book sale,” he told the Tri-City News. “The money raised goes directly to club projects in the community and, in some cases, worthy international projects."
DROP OFF
Meridian RV (1690 Coast Meridian Rd., Port Coquitlam) is open Monday to Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Book donations are accepted until Feb. 28.
