Imagine having to work in a smoky casino for your local charity! For more than 40 years, Community Gaming Grants have provided significant stable funding to help with operational costs at WSFP. In the 1980s, however, the board and other volunteers were required to help out at the casinos and bingo clubs as cashiers in return for the grant. It’s fair to say that it wasn’t their favourite fundraising activity as sometimes it meant a five-hour shift after a full day of work but it had its moments. Diane Elliot-Buckley, WSFP’s current Executive Director, recalls her experience: “I remember when I worked my last casino, I got to pay out $10,000 in brand new, shiny one-thousand-dollar bills. They were a lovely magenta colour, and we don’t have them anymore.” We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Community Gaming Grant.
