A remarkable gaming initiative is revolutionizing how Ontario’s charitable organizations can raise funds to support their programs and services. This initiative, called Bingo and Gaming Revitalization (cGaming), is changing the face of fundraising. It is a dynamic partnership between the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG), private sector operators, charitable organizations, and municipalities.
This exciting opportunity has a simple mission: through the efforts of charity volunteers provide stable and direct funds for organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals in Ontario.
Across the province, there are 37 Charitable Gaming Centres in 28 municipalities. Last year, $80 million was generated for the approximately 2,300 charitable organizations participating. With revenues growing, we are welcoming new charities and nonprofits. This initiative is not to be missed for charities or nonprofits looking for fundraising opportunities.
Organizations seeking participation must have charitable purposes with programs and services that directly benefit individuals in Ontario. Organizations undergo an assessment process with the respective municipality to determine their eligibility.
Our Charitable Gaming Centres are renovated entertainment facilities offering diverse experiences. With engaging electronic and paper bingo games, entertainment events and other electronic games these are not your old bingo halls.
Charitable organizations provide a small number of volunteers for short periods to support customer service in return for a share of the proceeds.
The impact of the funds raised is immeasurable in communities across Ontario—these two heart-wrenching testimonials show just how far cGaming can go.
Gilda’s Club
Gilda’s Club provides free support, education, and hope to individuals and families impacted by cancer. Their clubhouses support thousands of individuals annually, providing a gathering place for people to come together to ensure no one faces cancer alone. Their unique Family & Children Cancer Support Groups are supported by the funds raised in their partnership with the initiative.
“Our peer support groups provide the opportunity for children living with or impacted by cancer to connect with others who ‘get it’. It provides them with a safe and welcoming space to share feelings and experiences. Diverting them from the stress they’re facing, the programs provide normalcy all while teaching them to develop healthy coping strategies. As an organization that receives no government funding, the help of funds raised through our partnership in cGaming directly impacts our ability to respond to the community’s needs.”
The Busby Centre
The Busby Centre’s mission is to advocate for and improve conditions for individuals and families who are experiencing or are at imminent risk of homelessness.
Their Mobile Outreach is a unique service, allowing staff to connect with up to 200 individuals a day who are facing homelessness. The program provides individuals with basic needs like food, water, clothing, and harm reduction resources and supplies.
“The outreach van is on the road seven days a week; breaking down barriers for those who are not comfortable with traditional methods of accessing care. We provide advocacy, resources, referrals, and short and long-term support to individuals who are homeless. Thanks to the funds raised through our partnership with cGaming, we have been able to respond to the growing need for our services in our community. It gives us the opportunity to impact the lives of these individuals in their greatest time of need.”
If you are involved with a charity or nonprofit or know of one in your community which could benefit from more funding, now is the time to contact us and explore the possibilities of this unique fundraising opportunity. Visit us at charitablegaming.ca.
