About two years ago, the Knights of Columbus Council 4915 at Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Church applied to be among the organizations providing volunteers for the OLG’s Bingo operation in Newmarket.
In return, participating charitable organizations split the proceeds, to either support their own operations, as in Blue Door Shelters and Rose of Sharon, or to support their charitable giving.
The Knights of Columbus have long contributed to a number of local charities, including the Helping Hand Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul Society, through fundraising efforts that have included breakfasts, barbecues and carnivals at the church.
Volunteering at the Bingo seemed like a great opportunity to raise extra funds, for five local charities. Those chosen included the Bradford Legion, and C.H.A.T.S. – Community & Home Assistance To Seniors, a not-for-profit that provides everything from Meals on Wheels to Adult Day programs in York Region and South Simcoe.
“We had our first Bingo in February,” said Mike Feeley, Knights of Columbus Council 4915. Initially, the plan was to disburse $500 to each chosen charity, but since February, the amount raised has grown and accrued – and on Wednesday, the Knights presented their first cheque for $1,000 to C.H.A.T.S.
The Knights of Columbus have also used Bingo funding to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), to be installed at Holy Martyrs of Japan Church, and provide training in its use.
The church, noted Feeley, regularly welcomes the public not only to services, but to special events, dinners and concerts. An AED provides a level of protection against sudden coronary arrest, for all who attend.
There will be additional cheques going out in the weeks to come, he said. “We’re trying to donate to as many places in Bradford as possible,” Feeley noted - a Catholic men’s fraternal organization continuing its mission of charitable giving.
