Bingo keeps charitable resolution in mind for 2010

February 9, 2010 888ladies bingo, Offers

Written by Nerys (February 9, 2010 at 11:44 am)

Last year saw more and more bingo operators get on board in the name of good causes for charity and it’s a trend that looks set to continue in 2010. As we’ve already announced, online bingo operator 888 Ladies teamed up with Oxfam Earthquake Appeal at the end of January, donating the proceeds of their biggest monthly game to the fund designed to help the countless victims involved in the Haiti Earthquake disaster.

But it seems like 888Ladies are not the only ones who are determined to keep paying it forward in 2010. Top of the list so far is Gala Bingo, who are setting themselves the task of continuing their hugely successful partnership with Sue Ryder Care in 2010.

In 2009, the Gala Coral group managed to raise a total of over £1m for Sue Ryder Care, a charity which provides pallative and specialist care to those affected by Cancer, Stroke, Dementia, Multiple Sclerosis and Huntington’s Disease. From conquering their extensive network of bingo clubs with special games to conquering Mount Everest and playing the worlds highest ever game of Bingo, 2009 seemed to be a great year for Gala Bingo and Sue Ryder, and the company has high hopes for 2010.

The gaming group have set a further target of £500,000 to raise in 2010, after which the partnership between Gala and Sue Ryder looks set to end. In total, it would put the total figure raised by the bingo giant at over £1.5m, no small feat as far as fundraising efforts go. Dominic Harrison, the Chief Executive of Gala Coral said: “The fundraising work carried out by Gala Coral staff and customers to date has been truly inspirational, from the many local events right through to the trek to Everest Base Camp Trek. Their continued enthusiasm in raising funds for such an important cause is much appreciated and highly valued.”

But what is it about Bingo and charity that makes them go so well together? Some point to the  strong links to community that the game of bingo traditionally holds. From it’s humble beginnings in village halls, bingo has always been a great fund raiser due to the fact that everyone is a winner, with charities and players benefiting alike. The latest partnership by 888Ladies and Oxfam, and recent promos run by sites like Foxy Bingo in support of Breast Cancer Care show that the online bingo world is clearly just as willing as it’s offline counterpart to ensure players and operators alike dig deep to give a little back.

And with 2010 looking to be a perilous year for the charity industry due to the ongoing effects of the recession, we hope the online bingo world will continue to outdo themselves when it comes to charitable causes. You can be sure we’ll be keeping you posted on the best ways you can use your bingo bucks to make a big difference to others. As players, it is easy to get caught up in jackpots and deposit bonuses, but the continuing association of bingo and charity is a worthy reminder that bingo has – and always will be – a game with a big heart.

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