Bingo: Charities win at electronic bingo

Peterborough charities raised more than $1.5 million through the Kawartha Club Gaming Centre last year.

Peterborough MPP Jeff Leal presented a cheque to Mayor Paul Ayotte yesterday morning at the bingo hall to symbolically illustrate the annual haul.

Volunteers with 43 local charities raised the money through electronic bingo lottery terminal profits.

Arbor Theatre general manager Beverley Breedon said the theatre troupe receives about $60,000 a year, which helps offset expenses for producing plays for young audiences.

"We rely heavily on the funding. We're non-profit after all," she said.

The provincial government introduced pilot electronic bingo sites, including Peterborough, to help raise money for charities, in 2005. The program, in partnership with Ontario Lottery and Gaming, was expanded in 2007.

Ayotte also praised the contribution of local volunteers and bingo players.

Outside the United Way campaign, bingo is the largest community fundraiser, said Kawartha Bingo Sponsors Association president Darrell Rowe.

"It's a significant contribution which would not occur without you," he said about local volunteers.

"You are the single most important piece of the puzzle."

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