Surviving the decline of bingo, Bingo World Richmond Hill is one of only 60 halls in Ontario.
In 2018 alone, the gaming centre raised an impressive $1.7 million, funding 39 not-for-profit organizations in the community at that time.
“Our operators Chris and Perry are the reason we currently fund 42 local organizations through charitable gaming. Our membership of organizations has grown by 20% since 2015, and will only continue to grow as we search for new members to join in early 2020”, said Christine Arnold, Managing Director of Charitable Gaming.
Bingo World Richmond Hill is one of 30+ gaming centres that have opted to partner with Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG). In 2015, when Charitable Gaming launched, Bingo World Richmond Hill worked closely with OLG and Ontario Charitable Gaming Association to successfully implement this new model, which introduced electronic games.
The goal of Charitable Gaming, known as ‘cGaming’, is to increase awareness and revenues for essential local programs and services. Charitable groups that benefit from cGaming receive a portion of the proceeds based on their volunteer participation and role at the gaming centre.
Two loyal and dedicated volunteers, Stella and Constantine, have volunteered at Bingo World Richmond Hill for over two decades, raising funds for DeafBlind Ontario Services.
DeafBlind Ontario Services is a not-for-profit organization that helps individuals with deafblindness, a combined loss of vision and hearing, increase their independence and improve their quality of life through specialized services.
“My wife and I were introduced to DeafBlind Ontario Services many years ago. We quickly realized the value of their mission and vision for those with deafblindness and wanted to make a difference by volunteering together”, said Constantine.
During Bingo World Richmond Hill’s 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 fiscal years, Stella and Constantine have helped to raise approximately $80,000 for DeafBlind Ontario Services.
Funds raised through cGaming go directly back into the community and make a difference. At DeafBlind Ontario Services, they benefit the organization’s locations in York Region. This funding helps with life skills training, transportation for community activities and programs, Intervenor Services, house maintenance and upgrades, along with assistive devices.
Deafblindness can impact communication, mobility, and a sense of inclusion in one’s community. DeafBlind Ontario Services recently purchased a wheelchair accessible van, thanks in part to funding raised through cGaming. Wheelchair accessible vans increase access to the community and enhance independence for many of the people supported by this not-for-profit.
“We have 430 active volunteers, like Stella and Constantine, that participate at Bingo World Richmond Hill each year. These volunteers are provided from our membership of not-for-profit organizations… as you can see, their impact is incredible,” said Arnold.
“We are very proud to volunteer at Bingo World Richmond Hill and raise money for DeafBlind Ontario Services. At the end of the day, it’s not about us… it’s about the people they support. Helping them to become more independent and connect with their community,” said Constantine.
When you visit Bingo World Richmond Hill, you are making a positive impact on local not-for-profit organizations while enjoying hours of entertainment. This gaming centre offers more than traditional paper bingo; there is electronic bingo, games of chance, as well as TapTix machines.
“It’s an exciting time at Bingo World Richmond Hill! We have plans to continue to expand our product base and grow this community gaming centre. With revenues on the rise, we look forward to supporting more local not-for-profits and encouraging volunteerism”, said Arnold.
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