Monday 1st of February 2010
Why bingo is popular with good causes
Bingo is an important source of funding for many good causes, giving them the chance to raise some money and build bonds with the community at the same time.
That is certainly the case at the Luton-based Keech Hospice Care, a hospice group that relies on non-government sources for three quarters of its income.
Corporate donations and legacies can only go so far towards meeting its £6 million annual running costs and a large amount is raised simply through good old-fashioned fundraising.
One lady who has clearly recognised the ability of bingo to make a difference is Cilla Palmer, landlady at the Three Hammers pub in the Chiswell Green area of St Albans, reports the Hertfordshire Advertiser.
She decided to run a series of charity bingo nights at her pub, as well as raffles, quizzes and carol singing sessions.
Remarkable returns from charity bingo
Incredibly, this hive of activity raised more than £1,300 for the Keech Cottage Children's Hospice.
And the bingo organiser has just presented the cheque to Janice O'Neill, community fundraiser for Keech Hospice Care, which runs the children's healthcare facility.
Meanwhile, a very special local dignitary has taken time out to pay tribute to Cilla.
Gordon Myland, former Mayor of St Albans and serving local district councillor, was full of praise for the hard-working bingo fundraiser.
Another woman who hit on the fundraising power of bingo over the festive period was Sian Cole.
In December 2009, she organised a trio of bingo games in Pembrokeshire and donated all of the proceeds to a nearby hospital, school and the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
