A best seller: 2018 Concordia Used Book Fair raises a record $31,831 for students
Book lovers came out in force to the 2018 Concordia Used Book Fair and helped raise a record $31,831 towards student scholarships, the Student Emergency and Food Fund, as well as $450 for CEED.
The fundraiser, held October 28 to 30, earned $7,500 more than the $24,269 in 2017.
Droves of book lovers shopped for a cause at the 2018 Concordia Used Book Fair. | Photo: Concordia University
“We’re grateful so many people came out to buy second-hand books in support of first-rate students,” says lead volunteer Luke Quin, BA 07, a writer with Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations. “A record number of students showed up thanks to our Facebook event, which garnered almost 10,000 responses prior to the fair.”
Customers combed through tens of thousands of items, including novels, textbooks, coffeetable art books, DVDs, CDs and Vinyl. Shoppers could find gems for $2 and up.
The Concordia Used Book Fair is a year-round undertaking that requires time, muscle and planning from multiple volunteers and university teams.
Distribution, Hospitality and Security played key roles in seamlessly transforming the Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV) Atrium into a massive pop-up shop for two and a half days.
More than 60 students volunteered their time to set up, tear down and staff the fair. Many came through the International Students Office that adds volunteer experience to their co-curricular records.
Stinger coach Craig Beamer and 12 members of the Stingers men’s rugby team returned to handle the heavy lifting for the sale’s set-up and tear-down.
Members of the Concordia Stingers men’s rugby team performed much of the heavy lifting to set up and tear down the fair. Seen here from left to right are players Hugo Gauthier, Samuel Roy-Vanasse, Lucas Hotton, Robert Da Rocha, Frédérick Monuma and Julian Alexander. | Photo: Concordia University
Concordia’s Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) and Student Accounts Office provided technical support to enable the smooth processing of transactions.
Several Concordia staff members, retirees and alumni volunteered time at the three-day fair and at book sorts throughout the entire year. They included veteran volunteers Susanne Dragffy, Elisabeth Arnold, Judith Appleby and Susan Hawke.
Sisters Carole and Janine Lavallée attended every single book sort, held every three weeks in 2018, to categorize inventory.
Volunteers Janine Lavallée (left) and Luke Quin (right) with student Na An, a recipient of a Concordia Used Book Fair Scholarship. | Photo: Concordia University
Many shoppers asked how they could donate their textbooks and books. Thanks to Concordia Carpentry and Facilities Management, a large book bin now stands in the Henry F. Hall Bldg. Mezzanine, where the community can donate books any time of the year.
Members of the Concordia community may continue to donate their books year round at the loading docks of either the Henry F. Hall Bldg. or Richard J. Renaud Science Complex.
“The collecting and sorting of donations for 2019 has already begun,” says Quin. “As we continue to grow, we need new volunteers to join our effort. All are welcome!”
- Volunteer with the Concordia Used Book Fair.
- How to donate books to the Concordia Used Book Fair.