Sunday, September 13, 2009

[MEDIA RELEASE] Official Brotherhood Books Launch

MEDIA RELEASE


Monday, 14 September 2009 For immediate release

Brotherhood Books set to launch with lots of laughs from Corinne Grant

Comedian and broadcaster, Corinne Grant has enthusiastically embraced her role as official launch personality for the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s latest social enterprise initiative, Brotherhood Books.

On Wednesday, 16 September, Corinne will join the Grade 5/6 class from Sacred Heart Primary School in the heart of multicultural Fitzroy to celebrate a wonderful new way to recycle and reuse secondhand books, while also supporting a worthy cause.

The lucky pupils will each receive a free book and a donation of more than 100 books will be given to the school’s library.
Corinne, well known for her roles as a stand up comedian, is currently narrator of a new TV show, Airways. She is best known for her long stint in ABC TV’s The Glasshouse and has also performed internationally. In addition to Rove Live, she has appeared on everything from Spicks and Specks to Dancing With The Stars to Good News Week. Her natural, down-to-earth charm and her quick wit have made her one of Australia’s best known and most warmly regarded performers. A strong supporter of the Brotherhood for many years, Corinne is currently working on writing a book of her own – about hoarding.
Brotherhood Books is an online secondhand bookstore that offers a wonderful range of unique books taken from more than 45 tonnes of donated books. There are books to suit all ages and tastes, from children’s picture books to bestsellers, and there’s a book for every avid reader. Browse online through a huge range of categories including biographies, families and relationships, gardening, health and fitness, through to the great classics of literature and the popular self-help category.
100% of the profits from Brotherhood Books will go towards supporting and funding the Brotherhood’s fight against poverty.
Sacred Heart PS was chosen as many of the children attending the school and their families are residents of the high-rise public housing in Fitzroy and beneficiaries of the numerous programs run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence, including Breakfast Club and the Homework Centre. Established by the Sisters of Mercy in 1864, Sacred Heart PS plays a vital role in the Fitzroy community and brings together a diverse range of students from many cultural backgrounds.

“At Sacred Heart School we believe that reading is one of the key elements to access learning and success in later education and in everyday life,” said Principal Mary Lawrey.

“Children need access to books. They need to hold, handle and discover what is inside a book. Many of our parents can’t afford to buy books so we encourage children to borrow from school and the local library. By looking at books and reading with their children, parents are learning as well,” she said.

“But we would be lost without the support of our key agencies in Fitzroy – particularly the Brotherhood, they are essential to our existence.

“The Brotherhood helps us in many ways, such as through making funds available to support children going to camp when their parents are unable to afford the costs.

“They provide breakfast before school each day at the Breakfast Club, and through the Napier Street Resource Centre we access support for our parents and families in need.

“Plus many of the children in the school are graduates of the HIPPY preschool reading program. Our partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence is very important to us.”


ENDS


WHO: Brotherhood of St Laurence
WHAT: Official launch of new online bookstore – Brotherhood Books
WHEN: 10.15 for 10.30am on Wednesday, 16 September, 2009
WHERE: Sacred Heart Primary School, King William St, Fitzroy (see map on next page)
WHY: To assist the Brotherhood is its fight for an Australia free of poverty
PHOTO OP: Corinne Grant will engage in fun activities including cutting a book-shaped cake and also present books to pupils while Brotherhood Executive Director Tony Nicholson (Chair of the Prime Minister’s Council on Homelessness) will also be available for media interviews

Media contact: Grahame Whyte on 0410 221 574

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Fed Square Book Market

We had a very successful run at the Book Market on Saturday 1st of August 09. Here are some photos taken on the day. Enjoy them!