Tables filled with books are currently lining the hallway at Clearspring Centre in Steinbach. It is the annual book sale put on by East Borderland Community Housing (EBCH).

Board Chair Elsa Laing says this is at least the 8th annual spring sale, with proceeds going towards construction of a personal care home near Sprague.

"It's a very dire need," says Laing.

She notes there is no 24 hour personal care in the Rural Municipality of Piney. Currently seniors in Piney are leaving their municipality in order to take up residence in homes in Vita, Steinbach and beyond.

Laing says they already own land for the future home. It is located near the primary health care centre near Sprague, at the corner of Highway 12 and Provincial Road 308.

According to Laing, because the project is still before Southern Health-Santé Sud and Manitoba Health, it is unclear how much it will one day cost to construct the facility. Either way, she says it will require community contribution worth ten per cent. Therefore, she is anticipating needing to raise between $700,000 and $750,000.

To date, EBCH has raised $100,000. Laing says they also have a $400,000 commitment from the RM of Piney.

The book sale at Clearspring runs until 2pm Saturday. Laing says it normally generates between $3,500 and $4,000.

"Which is just wonderful," she says. "And it's all due to the wonderful book donors and shoppers and also the volunteers that help run it."