Ocean Grove’s Oxfam group has called it a day after half a century of helping to alleviate poverty and provide humanitarian relief.
At its 50th AGM recently, president and long-time member Lesley Pope announced the group will close down at the end of the year.
A final book sale will be held on Saturday 29 November from 9am to 1pm at Ocean Grove Uniting Church Hall on the corner of Eggleston St and The Parade. As a thank you to its many customers, all books including new stock will be reduced by 50 per cent from the already heavily discounted marked prices.
The Ocean Grove group was formed 50 years ago by a small band of volunteers to both promote local awareness of the vital work of Oxfam and to raise funds for Oxfam projects. Many of the original members are still active in the group.
“This important milestone has only been possible due to both our wonderful band of volunteers and the many loyal customers who have supported our book sales over many years,” Mr Pope said at the group’s final AGM.
More than $200,000 has been raised. A number of different fundraising initiatives were undertaken in the early days. In more recent years the primary focus has been the twice-yearly sales of new and recently published books. These book sales in Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads have been the major source of revenue. The books have always been donated, so all proceeds have been forwarded to Oxfam for their immediate use.
