Bingo supports Edmonton charities
Volunteers and community leagues make all the difference in fundraising
When I walk into the Fort Road Bingo Hall, it feels like I’m coming home.
Not because I’m a bingo player, but because I’ve volunteered for Parkdale Cromdale Community League for the past four years as its gaming coordinator. I’ve been to the Fort Road Bingo hall many times as a volunteer.
I’ve learned a lot. Most importantly, I’ve learned that Edmonton bingos are vital to raising funds for charities like Parkdale Cromdale, Eastwood, Gold Bar, Glengarry, and Fraser community leagues. At the annual meeting last fall, 42 out of the 45 clubs that are members of Fort Road Bingo were present.
Bingos fall under the scrutiny of Alberta Gaming, Liquor & Cannabis. AGLC is serious about responsibility, structure, rules, and regulations. Fort Road Bingo Association clubs are owners of the business. The number of clubs at Fort Road is restricted. No new charity can sign on unless one of the current clubs drops out.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars are distributed annually. The money to eligible charitable or religious organizations is earmarked for four criteria: relief of poverty, advancement of education, advancement of religion, and other purposes beneficial to the community. Without bingo money, many of the charities would not survive.
I’ve met some special people at bingo. Beyond the world of Bonanzas, Frenzy, and Flip, permanent staff at Fort Road Bingo work hard. They want the clubs to benefit.
Dave Herwander is one of Edmonton’s angels who gladly volunteer for charity events on an as-needed basis. The former trucker can often be found at Fort Road Bingo filling in for a missing club volunteer. “I would rather be here as a volunteer than sitting at home doing nothing,” he explains.
Herwander’s volunteering career is deep, with a commitment to many clubs. He continues an involvement that began when his wife, Shirley, was alive and the two worked together at bingos.
“I enjoy the people I meet. I know that I am needed,” he adds. “The clubs do good things in our communities, especially for youth. That’s important to me.”
Herwander is appreciated by bingo staff. His in-depth knowledge of procedures helps struggling volunteers learn the ropes.
Volunteers at Fort Road Bingo put in a five-hour shift. In the mornings they arrive by 10:15; afternoon shifts start at 4:15. Five volunteers must show up for each shift. At other bingo halls in Edmonton, the number of volunteers can be as high as 15 people per shift.
Not showing up to a Fort Road shift means a penalty of $100 per missing person. The money adds up. Last year, around $10,000 was deducted from the annual charitable contribution. The money collected from fines in 2023/24 will support the hall’s concession with its tasty menu.
Dan Malainey, general manager for the Fort Road board, weathered the hall’s difficult COVID-19 months. He was relieved that the hall’s intake was up by 30 per cent in the first four months of 2023. “Our aim is to raise $1.7 million for charity in 2024,” says Malainey.
As the cry of “Bingo!” echoes through the hall, those of us volunteering in the office area — known as the cage — prepare to pay out the winner. But the biggest winner of all is the charity club providing volunteers that day.
Constance Brissenden is an experienced presenter, writer, editor, and historian living in Cromdale. She is co-author of nine award-winning books by Cree author Larry Loyie (1933-2016), in addition to more than 20 books of history and travel.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER FOR BINGO?
Parkdale - gaming@parkdalecromdale.org
Eastwood - info@eastwoodhub.org
Delton - bingo@deltoncommunity.com
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