The Xavier House is finding new ways to fundraise for its residents.
On Sunday, the Xavier House and the Corner Brook Rotary Club will host its first drive-in bingo at the Corner Brook Plaza.
The event is being held to raise money for the house’s residents, particularly for Christmas.
The Xavier House is a Level 1 care facility offering a home setting for adults who suffer mental illnesses. It houses 20 people and is owned and operated by the Presentation Congregation.
Proceeds will be directed toward Christmas gifts, decorations and meals, as well as to recreation programs.
Every year, the Xavier House holds multiple fundraisers for its residents.
However, this year, instead of holding a card game for their biggest annual fundraiser, they were forced to think up something new because of COVID-19 restrictions.
Xavier House clinical director Donna Luther said they saw a drive-in bingo advertised for St. John’s and thought it would be a good idea to try it in Corner Brook.
How it will work
Cards will go on sale at 5:30 p.m., with the first game scheduled for 7 p.m.
Participants will park at the plaza and purchase their cards, all while adhering to COVID-19 protocols.
They will then return to their cars, where Bay of Islands Radio will transmit the numbers called through 100.1 FM.
Winners will blow their horn and flash their lights before their winning card is verified by a volunteer.
The bingo will feature 12 separate games with a $1,000 jackpot.
'Service before self'
Meanwhile, the Corner Brook Rotary Club will lend a hand with volunteers, operating under its motto of “service before self.”
Luther had connected with the club regarding the prospect of the club offering its services.
They jumped at the opportunity.
Corner Brook Rotary Club secretary Kathleen Snow said they concluded it was worthwhile for the betterment of the Xavier House residents as well as the entire community.
They are volunteering in a variety of ways, and will put up posters to promote event, set up at the plaza, sell bingo cards and direct traffic at the parking lot.
“In general, we will help this become a successful project and make it a good experience for everybody,” Snow told SaltWire Network.
Fundraising hopes
Luther said she hopes the bingo would draw a bigger turnout, as there is more space for participants than in the church basement where the card games were held.
“You can put four or five people in a car and occupy a little parking space, and they have tons of parking space at the plaza,” she told SaltWire. “So, we’re hoping this will be very profitable for us.”
She hopes to raise between $3,000 and $4,000.
If successful, they will consider hosting the drive-in bingo fundraiser again in the spring and summer.
Luther encourages anyone who also wishes to donate to Xavier House to visit xavierhouse.ca/donate-now.
All proceeds go toward the residents.
