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Letter: Richmond seniors stripped of bingo rights

Dear Editor, I write to you today to inform you of the present circumstances and discontent of many Richmond seniors, and members of the Richmond Senior Center.
Bingo picture

Dear Editor,

I write to you today to inform you of the present circumstances and discontent of many Richmond seniors, and members of the Richmond Senior Center. 

My friend Linda, a senior in Richmond, asked me to contact you with regard to seniors’ bingo licensing by the City of Richmond. 

Previously, in the past, there were two weekly bingos for the seniors in Richmond.  The functions were held Thursday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. and Friday evenings at 6 p.m.

And now there are none. 

The president of the center, Kathleen Holmes, has been approached on numerous occasions to re-establish such a worthwhile event for seniors. 

It is not only a social activity, which is important for older folks to enjoy but would bring in revenue for the center. 

When asked for a reasonable reason or explanation of why this activity is no longer licensed by the City of Richmond, none was given. 

Every other senior center in the Lower Mainland, plus other locations in B.C. have bingo nights. 

Why not the Richmond Senior Center?  Approximately 32 per cent of Richmond’s population are seniors. 

We hope the publication of this letter makes a difference to the powers that be and I appreciate the space in your paper to help us.

Seniors are a valuable and vital part of any community and deserve to enjoy their latter years with social activities and having the fun that they deserve.

Paula Durrant

Vancouver