The North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society (NTACCS) held the third free grocery senior’s bingo on Sunday, Jan. 12 at the Clearwater Elks Hall.
“I want to say what an awesome day we had on Sunday during our third free seniors grocery bingo," said Cindy Wilgosh, executive director for the NTACCS. "It was so much fun with many amazing prizes. All of our organizers, which included our board of directors, volunteers, contributors and guests, had a really wonderful day."
Wilgosh said idea for the bingo came about in partnership between the B.C. Metis Federation (BCMF) and the Aboriginal Cultural Centre.
"The BCMF contributes to the NTACCS with monthly community support which enables us to coordinate fundraising and buy groceries and gift cards to give away as prizes for the bingo. This month Carol Fraser approached Super Save and Canco gas in Clearwater and both donated $25.00 gift certificates."
Wilgosh acknowledged the donations of time and homemade baked goods from the family of Carol, Mike and Rose Fraser along with NTACCS directors Cheryl Thomas and Holly Rosoman who donated fresh bread, buns, sweets and jam.
"Sherry Jouber, Kitty-Anne Braaten and Holly Ripley donated gifts for prizing and Annette Verge donated a free art class as well valued at $40.00.”
Wilgosh told the surgeryitaly the grocery bingo’s mission is “to connect our youth and elders together” to grow a greater appreciation for elders in the community. “We are still looking for more youth volunteers to work with our local community youth representative, Brigette MacDougall who is our BCMF provincial youth representative," she said.
The NTACCS and the BCMF ask any youth that would like to volunteer to contact Brigette MacDougall via email at: brigette.macd@gmail.com
“If you are 50 or over, we hope you will join us for our next senior bingo on Sunday, Feb. 16 at the Elks Hall in Clearwater. Doors open at noon, and everything is free. Donations are certainly welcome, and all of the donations will go towards more free seniors grocery bingo days in the future and to the Summits of Hope B.C. Children’s Hospital."
Wilgosh said local celebrities, Chance Breckenridge and Skylar Richard, will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2025 to fund raise in support of the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
"Thanks to one and all and we look forward to seeing everyone at the Sweetheart Valentine’s Bingo on Sunday, Feb. 16, hosted again by the North Thompson Aboriginal Cultural Centre Society and the BC Metis Federation.”
To contact the NTACCS if you would like to join as an Indigenous or non-Indigenous member or to volunteer or donate, please email:ntaboriginal.ccs@gmail.com or visit the website at: aboriginalculture.ca
