Winnipeggers looking to help out a good cause and find new material to read during the cooler months are encouraged to stop by St. Vital Centre this weekend.

The Children's Hospital Book Market will be set up in the busy mall this Friday and Saturday, with all proceeds going towards helping sick and injured kids at the HSC Children's Hospital.

“Kids’ needs in hospital is certainly a worthy cause for anyone to support – especially coming into the holiday season ahead,” said Book Market organizer Carol Irving. “And we know Manitobans love to curl up with good books too, so now’s your chance to get all the books you want at low prices while helping the kids.”

Each year the Book Market raises between $300,000- $500,000 for specialized programming for kids in hospital. This year, the Spring Book Market raised an all-time one-day record of over $182,000 on the first day. It ended with over $250,000. A pop-up sale over the summer also managed to raise over $8000.

This year, all funds raised at the Fall Book Market will go towards the Better Futures campaign, which focuses on three main areas, including critical infrastructure and facilities, leading-edge pediatric research on childhood illnesses, and innovative programs, such as music therapy, the Library Program and the playroom, to bring comfort to families in the hospital.

“At times, sick and injured children may need to spend days, weeks or months receiving medical treatment at our Children’s Hospital, and the Child Life program is there to provide vital comfort to kids during those difficult days. We are so grateful to the Book Market for supporting these children by continuing to fundraise for this important and innovative programming,” said Stefano Grande, Foundation President and CEO.  

Carol Irving hopes this Fall book market will beat the success she saw in the spring. 

The 2023 Fall Book Market is set to take place Friday, September 15, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and  Saturday, September 16, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.