Lifeline Bookfest raises $900,000 for community services

After nine days of book bargains, the Lifeline Bookfest has closed its doors and is proud to announce the total fundraising revenue of $900,000.

Funds raised from the Lifeline Bookfest support Lifeline’s 24-hour Crisis Support line, suicide prevention and bereavement programs and other community services in Brisbane and broadly throughout Queensland.

Bookfest Coordinator Roy Frith said although we did not hit the target of $1 million (previous target reached January 2010), the funds raised will go a long way to helping those who need an extra hand.

“If we can raise $900,000 every January, we’re securing the sustainability of our services to the community,” Roy said.

“As usual, we had many enthusiastic customers who kept coming back day after day – it’s so great to see them every year.

“The event works because the community loves getting a bargain and they love giving back; at the Bookfest, they can do both,” he said.

The Lifeline Bookfest is a long-standing successful event not just because of the customers, but because of all the hands that come together to make it happen.

“We have hundreds of volunteers who sort, stack, price, unpack, pack, staff cash registers and do everything in between,” Roy said.

“Without them, the event wouldn’t be possible. A huge thank you goes out to each and every person who helped at the event and behind the scenes,” he said.

The Lifeline Bookfest team would like to thank our sponsor 612ABC, the shoppers, the volunteers and everyone who donated a book!

The next Bookfest will be held in June 2012. Volunteering opportunities are available. To register your interest, please email volunteer [at] uccommunity [dot] org [dot] au or call 3632 1017. All Bookfest updates will be posted on www.lifelinebookfest.com