Good reads for a great cause

Volunteers work year-long to host book sale in support of kids who need Manitoba’s children’s hospital.

Children’s Hospital Book Market spring sale to be held April 26 – 27 at St. Vital Centre

Winnipeg, MB (April 22, 2024) – Children’s Hospital Book Market is fully stocked for another sale thanks to the dedication of volunteers who work tirelessly all year long. Funds raised at the spring sale on April 26 – 27 at St. Vital Centre – featuring thousands of donated books –will go towards innovative programming to provide comfort to kids and families at Manitoba’s only children’s hospital, HSC Children’s Hospital.

Children’s Hospital Spring Book Market hours:

Friday, April 26 | 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 27 | 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

This critical community event is possible thanks to more than 300 volunteers. The Book Market team works year-round collecting donated books from Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Stations and Dufresne Furniture & Appliances stores, then sorting and pricing books. Leading up to sales, volunteers pack up and move the books to St. Vital Centre, with the help of four semi-trailers, and on event days they manage the many genre tables, help buyers find their perfect read and ring through purchases.

“Volunteers are entirely responsible for hosting Children’s Hospital Book Market and we’re so grateful for this dedicated group ensuring we can continue to raise funds for Children’s Hospital Foundation,” says Carol Irving, Book Market Coordinator.  “Big thanks also to book donors, shoppers and sponsors supporting kids who need treatment and care through Book Market.”

The spring sale will feature thousands of gently used books from many genres including mystery, children’s books, sports, languages, travel, gardening and so much more. Manitobans can fill their bookshelves at discounted prices, while supporting families in hospital.

The Book Market raises between $300,000 – $500,000 each year for Child Life programming to provide comfort for families in hospital. Child Life programming includes Children’s Hospital TV (CHTV), the in-house TV station that provides free programming for all patients and broadcasts a live, daily show to engage and entertain kids in hospital; Music Therapy; the Library Program; the playroom, that has not only toys but a mini hospital environment where kids can learn about procedures and treatments they will experience in hospital; and special celebrations including holidays and activities to provide distraction and help families make meaningful memories in hospital

“Children’s Hospital Book Market is a community favourite sale that has an incredible impact by supporting critical programs for kids at HSC Children’s Hospital,” says Stefano Grande, Foundation President and CEO.

“We’re so thankful for dedicated volunteers who work all year long to host Book Market, and sponsors like Dufresne,  St. Vital Centre, and many more who help give better futures for families in hospital through their support of this event.”

The Book Market was established in 1961 and is the longest-running volunteer-organized event in support of the Foundation. Since it began, this event has raised more than $10 million for HSC Children’s Hospital.

The Book Market continues to need book donations all year long to run these important sales. Donors can drop off gently used items at any Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station or Dufresne Furniture & Appliance Store.