A Sarnia service club says they stepped up their community donations in 2021 to address an increased need caused by the pandemic.
The Seaway Kiwanis Club of Sarnia-Lambton typically supports local initiatives to the tune of $150,000 every year, according to secretary and former president Donna Kelso. She said the club donated even more this year to help those in need.
“It all stems from the funds raised through the TV Bingo — it’s a fundraiser that we’ve been involved in for the last 15 seasons. It provides a lot of money in our bank account but it also goes straight back to the community once we’ve raised the money,” said Kelso. “Kiwanis focuses on serving the children of the world and changing the world one child and one community at a time, so a lot of our donations focus on child needs and programs that would benefit them.”
Kelso said The Inn of the Good Shepherd, Salvation Army, St. Vincent de Paul, and Lambton Circles are a few of the organizations they donate to throughout the year.
“We always give to the student scholarships for those going off to university, North Lambton Community Health Centre, we have nine schools that we donate to for their school breakfast programs, and Pathways Health Centre got some money recently for some kitchen renovations they’re doing at the centre.”
The weekly bingo fundraisers go Tuesday nights at 7 p.m. on YourTV. Kelso said Kiwanis’ partnerships with the City of Sarnia, The Sarnia and District Humane Society and YourTV are making a difference.
“[We raise] around $150,000, but it is because of how much money we raise with TV bingo. So, if that fluctuates, then so does the amount that we can donate.”
For more information on TV Bingo, click here.
with files from Josh Boyce
