Photo Courtesy of MBC Media
It’s the first-ever Provincial Bingo Week in Ontario, running from June 22 through June 27, with the final day recognized as International Bingo Day.
Andrew Trahan, Bingo Coordinator for the Stafford Bingo Country Nevada Association, joined members of several local service organizations at Pembroke’s Delta Bingo Hall on Monday afternoon to present some impressive cheques courtesy of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLGC). The number of charities that benefit from the program may surprise some people.
The organization managed to raise a total of $1,564,000 last year, benefiting charities and service organizations from one end of Renfrew County to the other. Over the past five years, well over $5.8 million has been raised, and those numbers are expected to continue increasing year after year.
Representatives from many of the organizations in attendance were on hand to receive their share of the funding, including Bonnie Tarrant, President of the Pembroke Civitan Club. Her organization received nearly $13,000, yet she laments the fact that there is not the same level of community involvement as there once was.
The reason, she says, is simple, yet it serves as a dire commentary on waning volunteerism.
Despite Tarrant’s concerns about the future of these organizations, Trahan says bingo remains one of the most vital sources of income for these clubs, and he does not see that changing anytime soon.
Congratulations to all 59 organizations that benefited from this year’s revenue. Grab a dabber and head over to Delta Bingo to help celebrate Bingo Week!
(Written By: Richard Evans)
