Successful first year for the social enterprise charity bingo

By Maurice Garvey

IT HAS been a successful year in operation for a social enterprise bingo night in Ballyfermot.

Win Win Bingo was established 12 months ago in Ballyfermot Civic Centre, and has managed to pull in a huge amount of punters – enticed by prize funds which have exceeded a remarkable €140,000 for the year.

The popular Friday night event was established in January 2016, by Impact Events, a branch of the social enterprise group Sedco.

It has filled a massive void in the community arising from the closure of the Gala building in early 2014.

Rónán Ó Dálaigh, CEO of Sedco said: “Our weekly social enterprise charity bingo event in Ballyfermot, Win Win Bingo, is a year old this Friday night. It has been a great success over the last year and has succeeded all expectations due to the goodwill of the local community and volunteers. Over the year, we’ve given away over €140,000.”

Weekly winnings of approximately €2,600, and jackpot highs which have exceeded €2,000, are just two of the reasons why the venture has kicked off, according Ó Dálaigh.

“It is becoming arguably Dublin’s best bingo night,” said Ó Dálaigh.

“The welcoming atmosphere created by staff and the bright, airy setting of a Friday night social event in the heart of the community, along with the high standard of prizes on offer, have attracted a loyal and expanding following.”

Due to the popularity of the bingo night, organisers are contemplating hosting a second night throughout the week, and will consult punters before making any final decision.

If any volunteers want to get involved, they can message the Win-Win Bingo Facebook page.

“We want to thank all bingo goers, staff, Ballyfermot Community Association and Ballyfermot Community Civic Centre management for all their support,” said Ó Dálaigh.