THUNDER BAY — The Superior Shores Gaming Association presented the United Commercial Travellers (UCT) Thunder Bay #1039 with a $12,000 cheque on Saturday.
These funds were raised by UCT members, who volunteered in two-hour blocks assisting with bingo games during the fiscal year from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
The Boys and Girls Club, Precious Bundles, Hemophilia Ontario and the Dew Drop Inn were the charities receiving $3,000 each from UCT.
“Any money that is given to these charities assists them with their programs and every little bit helps,” said Janet Huber, UCT local council 1039 president.
Huber explained that their main goal is to raise funds for charities locally.
She said it’s an honour that they’re able to assist different charities in the community with help from Superior Shores.
“Anybody who wants to donate to these charities, they would more than appreciate it,” said Huber.
“They all take a big part in the community in assisting children and trying to make life a little bit better.”
Huber said they are also holding 50/50 draws at the Border Cats games this year and have two more dates to go.
She encouraged people to come out and support Superior Shores.
On average, each two-hour volunteer shift last year helped raise around $885 for a local charity, according to a Superior Shores media release.
“With those funds raised, they’re then able to go back out into our community and do the good work that they’re doing,” said Ashlyn Ransome, the non-profit gaming centre's charity coordinator.
The UCT Thunder Bay group is one of more than 80 charities and non-profits in Thunder Bay supported by the association.
In a very special category, Ransome said, they fall under service groups.
“Unlike other charities that come in to raise funds for their services and programs, they’re coming together as volunteers to raise funds and then they’re giving it back out to these communities and giving other charities an extra boost to help them thrive," said Ransome.
She explained that the association is structured to give funding to six vital areas across Thunder Bay. These areas included arts and culture, education, community support, health and social services, religion and youth sports.
“All of the associations that are charities that are receiving funds today fall under those six vital areas,” said Ransome.
For instance, she said, the Boys and Girls Club and the great work they do is under health and social services.
Hemophilia Ontario is also getting started in Thunder Bay, Ransome added, so any boost of funding she thinks will help them get really far.
Going forward, the association has also begun fundraising for the upcoming year, which started on April 1.
Ransome said that all 80-plus charities within their membership are already receiving funds monthly from their gaming centre.
“By giving two hours of your time, that’s going to help a charity raise quite a bit of money to go out there and do the good work that they’re doing,” said Ransome.
“So, any volunteers that are interested in a really fun, easy way to help charities in our community can contact the charity coordinator at Superior Shores Gaming Association. It’s a great way to get involved and a great way to stay connected to your community.”
