Bingo raises money for group

P.E.I. Citizen Advocacy will be holding its 16th annual bingo fundraiser on May 2 at 7 p.m. in Bingo Country on Riverside Drive in Charlottetown.

Prizes are valued at over $3,000. Admission, including the package of game cards, is $20.

Celebrity caller will be Kerri Wynne MacLeod.

This major fundraiser for Citizen Advocacy is always a lot of fun and tickets are at the door or in advance at the Voluntary Resource Centre at 81 Prince St. For more information, call 902566-3523.

P.E.I. Citizen Advocacy is a small community-based organization that has existed on the Island since 1986. The organization matches adults who have intellectual disabilities with volunteer advocates from the community on a one-on-one basis. These relationships become long-term friendships, connecting adults with intellectual disabilities to a wider world of community inclusion and support.

The organization relies on funds raised from its annual bingo event to keep running its program, both to support existing friendships and make new ones. Citizen Advocacy member Eleanor Kelly has met her advocate through the organization, and calls the relationship life-changing.

“As a person with a disability you are often looked down on and made to feel less than,” explains Kelly. “Having my advocate in my life means that I know someone is always there for me. We also have a lot of fun together! She takes me out for coffee or we go shopping. The bingo night is one of the things we look forward to every year.”

Citizen Advocacy president Kathy Jenkins attests to the uniqueness of the annual fundraiser.

“We have a lot of fun with it, plus the prizes are amazing. We have so many generous businesses on the Island that step up and donate their goods and services. Everyone is always really impressed with the swag we have to give away. It’s lots of fun and it’s a great cause.”