Lifeline South West will hold a book fair over the Easter long weekend, raising money to increase crisis support services and suicide prevention programs in the community. 

The organisation is hoping to attract thousands of book lovers to three days of entertainment, children’s activities and book buying over the weekend of April 18-21. 

Chief executive officer Meredith Ericson said the book fair was just one fund-raising initiative the organisation had planned. 

“Most people think Lifeline is government funded, but we are not,” she said. 

“We do receive a small state government grant each year but the government does not provide any full program funding. Our programs are self-funded through the generosity of the local community who donate goods and money, shop with us or volunteer.”

She said Lifeline was now seeking donations of high- quality fiction, non-fiction and children’s books. 

“We would love magazines and comics, maps and atlases, talking books, CDs, DVDs, games and jigsaws,” she said. 

“Donations can be dropped at the Warrnambool Warehouse at 577 Raglan Parade (beside The Standard office) between 9am and 4pm weekdays.”

Mrs Ericson said the group was now recruiting a team of volunteers to assist with processing book donations and to provide event day assistance. She said they were also seeking the support of local businesses. 

“We require some sponsorship to cover venue hire, signage, marketing, volunteer shirts, catering, entertainment and logistical costs,” she said. 

“We are encouraging local south-west businesses to assist us in saving lives through financial sponsorship. We hope that the fair will be a great family event and will ensure we can give thousands of lifelines to those in crisis.”