
A volunteer sorts books at a previous year’s Children’s Hospital Book Market at St. Vital Centre. (TED GRANT / CHRISD.CA FILE)
The Children’s Hospital Book Market kicked off Thursday at St. Vital Centre, raising funds to help sick and injured children in Winnipeg.
The annual event has brought in more than $8.5 million in its 59-year existence and offers titles from nearly every genre imaginable.
“Because of the generosity of the Children’s Hospital Book Market, babies and children get to enjoy storytimes at the hospital with their favourite library books,” said Emma Robin, Children’s Hospital librarian.
“Books help to normalize and distract children during their hospital stay. Just last year alone, over 1,000 patients at Children’s Hospital had a book read to them by library staff.”
Stefano Grande, president and CEO of the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba, says the book market is a vital fundraiser for the organization.
“By coming to St. Vital Centre and purchasing a book, you are contributing to these important support services that will bring comfort to sick children and their families during difficult times.”
The market is located across from the mall’s play area and runs Thursday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shoppers will find it most accessible to enter through the London Drugs entrance.