South Surrey charity book sale on track for success at new venue

A temporary move to Elgin Park Secondary does not appear to have hurt White Rock Rotary’s latest Charity Book Sale. The event, held in the school gymnasium from Aug. 28 to Sept. 1, appeared to be on track for a record, according to book sale manager Keith Becker.

Becker said Sunday that sales for the first two days were estimated to have exceeded $50,000. With steady business Sunday and two days remaining, he said the sale could surpass $70,000, a level that signals a successful event. Last April’s sale raised $77,000.

The popular sales, usually held in spring and in late summer or fall, support local and international Rotary community projects.

The sale moved because its usual location, the Peace Arch Curling Club facility at the White Rock Centre for Active Living, is having its floor refinished. Becker and club president Darryl Walker said the school had already proved popular with the community: although it provides less floor space for displaying books, it has much more parking.

Walker said the club may explore holding the sale at the school again, subject to school board approval and the school’s view. He said the school could also benefit through a donation of unsold books, for example, creating a potential win-win arrangement.