Niverville Gold Rush Bingo is held every Tuesday evening at the Golden Friendship Centre in Niverville. The social event is open to all who wish to attend to have fun, win prizes, and fundraise for local projects.
Now in its second season, organizers are hoping to increase attendance to show community spirit and rally support for their selected causes: renovations at the Golden Friendship Centre and programming for young people at Niverville Youth For Christ.
Volunteers from Youth For Christ and the Niverville Nighthawks are regularly on hand to help with setup and takedown and a group of committed residents from Niverville make up the organizing committee, including Jolene Pauls, LeeAnn Giesbrecht, Erin Reimer, Jeannette Fast, Rachelle Baker, Shirley Hoult, Louise Hiebert, and Monique Lasko. Tech expert Cal Reimer also comes out to ensure that each night runs smoothly.
“We do have some loyal patrons that play regularly and kindly help with teardown each and every week,” says organizer Shirley Hoult. “Volunteers are needed. We currently have a spot open on our committee. Or if you would like to help out on a more casual basis, that would be welcome, too, when available. But more help would be great.”
The level of community involvement has enabled the event to thrive during its first year and the group is excited to see the fundraising proceeds reach those who need it most in the community.
The Golden Friendship Centre provides dedicated meals and programming for seniors, as well as adult day programs that provide activities such as games, lunch, socialization, and exercise.
“For our first full season, the Niverville Gold Rush Bingo Committee decided that net funds raised would be donated to the Golden Friendship Centre,” says Hoult. “For our second season, we wanted to provide an opportunity to give 50 percent of the net funding to a second local charity. Local not-for-profit and charitable organizations were invited to submit a request for funding. All submissions were considered and a committee vote determined that this year the local Youth For Christ programs would be the recipient. The more people attending these fun evenings, the more funds will be made available to the charities.”
Hoult herself is involved in many community fundraising efforts. Bingo night has become a particular passion for her after seeing how the volunteer committee really makes a difference. The ripple effect of goodwill, she says, is contagious.
“In the first season, the volunteer committee members put in at least five hours each week to provide an opportunity for those interested in bingo to get back out into the community after the two years of [COVID] isolation and reduced quality of life.”
Volunteering has proven physical, emotional, social, and professional benefits. Volunteering in a town where you can see and know exactly where and who your efforts are benefitting creates a big impact for both volunteers and the community.
Hoult invites everyone to attend a bingo night to see what it’s all about.
“The weekly events are relaxed, fun, and welcoming to all,” she says. “It is a mixed demographic and we have added some new games this year to appeal to the various age groups. The bingo experience level is also varied so anyone wanting to try it out can feel comfortable.”
A particular point of fun is when bingo night falls around a holiday on the calendar, such as Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Easter. Hoult says that they go out of their way to make sure the door prizes reflect each theme.
“This season, bingo is held every Tuesday from mid-October to the end of April,” says Hoult. “It is located at the Golden Friendship Centre on Second Avenue South. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. with bingo starting at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, but you must be 18 to purchase sheets and claim any prize.”
Bingo sheets are purchased by cash upon arrival. A person can play every game on the program for only $20. Potential payouts as of January 9 are a jackpot of $1,100 in 59 numbers or less. Big payouts are accumulating for the Lucky Star, Odds/Evens, and Bonanza games.
