Are you looking to check a few books off your reading list this summer?
The spring used book fair from the Canadian Mental Health Association Central Alberta will let you do just that – and support mental health services in your community at the same time!
CMHA Central Alberta’s second annual book fair fundraiser comes to Pidherney Centre in Red Deer May 13 to 15, and everyone is welcome to come down and support essential local services.
Proceeds from the book fair will help CMHA provide local programs and services for mental health support, advocacy and education.
“We ran our first annual Book Fair last year during COVID, and we were so glad to have so many generous donations from the community,” says Stephanie Rhodes, Community Engagement and Fund Development at CMHA.
Book donations are needed and can be dropped off from May 2 to 10 – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends. They are not accepting dictionaries, encyclopedias, textbooks, magazines or Reader’s Digest but will accept puzzles and games.
The sale runs:
- Friday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Saturday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, May 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
And great news for teachers: Any teachers who donate books will also be invited to a special VIP shopping night Thursday, May 12.
Volunteers are also needed
Recognizing that events like this can only happen with the support of the community, more volunteers are needed.
“This is a volunteer-run event and we’re so appreciative of how the community has stepped up to help us out and support local mental health services,” Rhodes says.
The Canadian Mental Health Association is a non-profit organization with eight Alberta regional branches that promote community wellness and support people with mental illness, brain injury and addictions, through recovery-focused programs. Their goal is to advocate for the best possible care and to promote mental health and wellness through education, using best practices based on current research.
“Our services have always been in demand, but with the added impact of the pandemic, local mental health services have never been more critical,” says Rhodes. “Donating or shopping at the book fair is a great way to support mental health services in your own community.”
So come down May 2 to 10 and donate your used books at the Pidherney Centre, 4725 43 St, Red Deer, and see you at the sale!
For more information about this and future CMHA Central Alberta events, visit them on Facebook and Instagram.