Under the B… bingo!
Under the O… online.
Cumberland Community Schools Society (CCSS) is hosting online bingo nights starting Wednesday, April 28.
“Bingo is back, but it is going to look a little different,” said CCSS program co-ordinator Kate Ashton. “We are meeting on Facebook Live each Wednesday. The livestream starts at 6 p.m. with the games starting at 6:30 p.m.”
This will be the sixth year of CCSS co-ordinating bingo nights in Cumberland. It’s become a popular community activity with the added bonus of raising $15,000- $20,000 per year toward CCSS programs.
“We are looking forward to restarting bingo nights, in a format that is safe for participants and volunteers,” says CCSS executive director Sue Loveless. “The new online platform also provides an opportunity for families and friends in other parts of BC to join in the fun.”
Over the past year, CCSS has worked hard to adapt programming to meet the needs of the community. Working with community partners, CCSS established a food share, which provides regular deliveries of healthy food boxes to households facing food insecurity.
After-school and community programs were moved online, or outside, and take-home craft and science kits were distributed in lieu of in-person programs.
“We are getting quite good at being flexible,” said Ashton. “With the cancellation of our major fundraising events, we hope that online bingo will provide much-needed funds to support our Healthy Lunch Program, after-school activities and food share.”
To purchase a card, go to the CCSS bingo store located at ccss.bingobetter.com/welcome . Cards are $10 for a single sheet. This sheet will be used for all five games played that night. Sheets either need to be printed five times, or a non-marking dabber needs to be used, such as buttons or coins.
The livestream is located on the CCSS Bingo Facebook page at facebook.com/ccssonlinebingonight
Online bingo will be different, but a whole lot of fun. Play online with your friends and family. You can even play with people from out of province, as long as the cards are bought by a B.C. resident. Grab some take-out from a local restaurant to complete the night.
Established in 2000, CCSS is a registered charity that works to ensure everyone in our Village has equal access to good food, recreation, lifelong learning and a network of support. FMI visit www.cumberlandcommunityschools.com.
For more information on bingo nights, contact Ashton at 250-650-8305, ccss.youthcoordinator@gmail.com. Follow CCSS on Facebook facebook.com/ccssonlinebingonight for weekly bingo updates.