Bingo Industry Tees Up for Charity: Millions Raised for Disadvantaged Children
The Bingo Association and Carlton Bingo have demonstrated their unwavering commitment to philanthropy, collectively raising nearly £2 million for Variety, the Children’s Charity. Through significant donations, including the provision of 35 Sunshine Coaches, and successful charity golf events, the bingo community continues to make a profound impact on the lives of sick and disadvantaged children across the UK.
- The Bingo Association has funded 35 Variety Sunshine Coaches, totaling £1.6 million in donations over five years.
- Carlton Bingo’s annual golf day raised £1,290 for Variety, contributing to the overall industry total.
- The Bingo Association’s 2024 Charity Golf Day saw a record 74 players and raised over £1,900 through a charity raffle.
The Bingo Association’s Impact: 35 Sunshine Coaches and Counting
The Bingo Association recently celebrated a significant milestone, donating its 35th Variety Sunshine Coach to Newfriars College in Stoke-on-Trent. This specialist independent college caters to students aged 16-25 with diverse special educational needs. The new coach is vital for providing a personalized curriculum, enabling daily community visits, access to employment providers, educational tours, and general transportation.
Miles Baron, Chief Executive of The Bingo Association, highlighted the incredible support from Buzz Bingo customers and staff, emphasizing the direct impact of these donations on thousands of children nationwide. Rob Millington, Head of Newfriars College, expressed immense gratitude, noting the coach will empower students to develop confidence, independence, and social skills through unique experiences, including residential trips and holidays.
Louise Davidson, Senior Corporate Partnerships Manager at Variety, underscored the importance of each Sunshine Coach in improving the lives of disadvantaged and disabled children by providing access to recreational facilities and educational opportunities outside the school environment.
Carlton Bingo’s Charitable Golf Day
Carlton Bingo hosted its ninth annual charity golf day, bringing together major bingo operators and industry partners from across the UK. Despite challenging weather leading up to the event, the day was a success, raising £1,290 for Variety. The event fostered camaraderie and friendly competition, with notable performances:
- Best Individual Stableford: Richard Laciok (Globe Bingo) – 37 points
- Best Combined Team Stableford: Kevin Temple (Novomatic Gaming), Ian McIntosh (Guest), Jake McCaffery (Carlton, Dunfermline) – 92 points
- Nearest the Pin: Mark Woodhouse (Dalriada Trustees) and Jake McCaffery (Carlton, Dunfermline)
- Longest Drive: Jonathan Morrison (Guest)
Carlton Bingo extended heartfelt thanks to all participants and sponsors, especially Shipley Creative and Club 3000, for their generous contributions.
The Bingo Association’s 2024 Charity Golf Day
The 2024 Bingo Association Charity Golf Day, held at Belton Woods Club in Grantham, Lincolnshire, saw a record 74 players from 19 teams. Boomerang Digital’s B team emerged victorious, scoring 100 points. The individual winner for the third consecutive year was Paul Swendell of Mecca Bingo, reclaiming the Maygay Cup with an impressive 46 points.
Other notable winners included:
- Club 3000 Jug (Best Front 9): Howard Gant (Boomerang)
- Batup Bowl (Best Back 9): Adam Hodges (Poppleston Allen)
The event also featured a charity raffle, raising over £1,900 for Variety. Lyn Staunton, a representative from Variety, addressed attendees, expressing gratitude for the industry’s support, which is nearing the £2 million mark and has significantly impacted countless children’s lives.
Sources
- The Bingo Association donates 35th Variety Sunshine Coach, Bingo Connect Magazine.
- Carlton Bingo’s golf day tees off in support of Variety, Bingo Connect Magazine.
- Boomerang come back with a victory at the 2024 BA’s Charity Golf Day!, Bingo Connect Magazine.