The bi-annual book faire at Clearspring Centre has been officially handed over from the Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary to ROC Eastman.

Former auxiliary Chair Phyllis Toews says they have held 25 book faires since they started the event 15 years ago and it's sad to see the auxiliary not part of the book faire anymore, but happy to see it continue and help another organization.

"We grew up with it. We started from scratch and we have so many stories that we laugh at about how we progressed through this. But to jump right into it and try to keep your customers coming, we would not have done ourselves a favour if we said no to helping."

ROC Eastman Executive Director Moni Loewen says when she heard the auxiliary was shutting down and the book faire was ending, she wanted to find a way to keep it going and bringing it on as a part of ROC seemed like the perfect fit.

"The tie-in, they're just all over the place. The literacy, the overall health, the child development, the family bonding, books and literacy. Everything that ROC is about, it was just a beautiful fit."

Loewen notes there are no imminent changes to be made to the book faire.

"This is so great. The money for us just translates into helping more kids and we're really excited to keep doing that and keep saying 'yes' to more families."

Toews says she will stay on as a volunteer and to help with the transition.

"I want to thank the community for the donations and I really would encourage them to continue donating to ROC bbecauseROC needs the funds for the work they are doing."

Meanwhile, the Director of Health Services for Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Jo-Anne Marion says they are grateful for all the support over the years and the Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary will be missed.

"We're very grateful to the contributions and the work they've done over the years. In a situation like this, it provided a link with the community and this facility and it was nice to have. We will miss that."

Marion notes the health centre will continue to receive their annual funding through Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living for various needs.

The Bethesda Health Care Auxiliary has been running for 80 years and has raised close to $640,000 during that time.