The annual Bookfest Noosa is here again this May to support three local charities – Hear and Say Centre Sunshine Coast, Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club’s (NYRC) Youth Sail Access Program and Guide Dogs Queensland.
The Hear and Say Centre and NYRC work tirelessly everyday to make a difference in the lives of local children. Guide Dogs Queensland supports blind and vision impaired Queenslanders to live a mobile and independent life. It costs $30,000 to breed, train and place every Guide Dog. Hear and Say Centre Regional Development and Fundraising Coordinator Karen von Homeyer said the funds raised at last year’s event were vital. “Last year’s proceeds assisted one of the local children to graduate from the program and enter mainstream schooling at the same level of communication as her hearing peers. What greater gift could there be,” she said. “Without the support of the local community this service would not be available on the Sunshine Coast and families would be forced to travel to Brisbane for weekly therapy.” The NYRC Youth Sail Access program is a community-based disability program, allowing disabled children to sail and experience the wonder of the open sea. Paul Blundell, Sailing Manager said funds raised from this event will help provide sailing experiences for local groups including, House with No Steps, Camp Quality, Endeavour Foundation and many more. “Programs like Access could not exist without the support of organisations like Rotary. We have recently named one of our newer boats after the Rotary Noosa Daybreak Club to show our appreciation,” he said. The festivities take place daily between 9am-5pm from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4 at the Bicentennial Hall, Sunshine Beach (off Sunshine Beach Road). There will be thousands of books to browse and buy in a family fun atmosphere with drink stalls, BBQs, raffles and you may even get to meet a Guide Dog-in-training. To find out more or share this event, see www.facebook.com/rotarynoosa
