By Sheila Phibbs
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—When the Caledonia Agricultural Society was looking for new and innovative fundraising ideas, Janice Boyter discovered Purse Bingo online. It’s the same as regular bingo but the prizes are designer hand bags like Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, and Fossil. She thought, “We could do this,” and six years later they have proven that they definitely can.
The first Purse Bingo was held in the fall of 2017. The response was so positive that a spring bingo was added the following year. While the pandemic imposed significant limitations, the organizers adapted and moved the bingo outside and the fun tradition continued.
This year’s Purse Bingo is set for Saturday, May 13, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Riverside Exhibition Centre (REC). Players will not only have the chance to win but will also be giving back to the community as Purse Bingo supports Helping Hands for Haldimand, which operates out of the Caledonia Food Bank, and Community Support Centre of Haldimand Norfolk.
Linda Jewel explains that Helping Hands offers services such as free clothing, back packs for kids, and a stay warm program that provides hats, boots, and coats. It is open during food bank hours and, according to Jewel, “We see 75 to 100 people per month in the clothing closet in need of clothing.”
Jewel adds that they have special programs such as “Feel Like a Princess” that helps teens find prom or grad attire. The backpack program started in 2005; clients register through the food bank and upwards of 100 youth have benefitted from the service.
The appeal of Purse Bingo goes beyond the chance to win a designer handbag. It is a fun and entertaining evening as friends enjoy some food and beverage and the possible thrill of the win. Susan Bennett has attended every Purse Bingo, winning a Kate Spade bag at the first one. She admits that she really doesn’t need another purse but says, “It’s a fun girls’ night out!”
Debbie Mitchell of Copetown was also a first time winner and part of a lucky group of bingo players. She says, “We come to be supportive and it’s fun.” Her friend Linda Hall of Ancaster is part of that lucky group and describes the bingo as “a fabulous time!”
Wendy Alderson is a member of the Ag Society who usually volunteers to help at the bingo. One year she decided to play and won a Fossil hand bag. Her daughter Becky Crawford has attended four times and has won a Coach purse.
Boyter and her sister, Patti Zadanyi, have enjoyed being part of the organizing team, which also includes Nancy Rose, Ruth Zadanyi, Sandra Young, and Jackie Daglish. As Ag Society members they appreciate that a number of Fair volunteers take part. Zadanyi says, “You try to organize a fun event that includes as many Fair volunteers as you can.”
This year’s admission includes three bingo sheets for each of the 10 games played. A dessert and snack buffet will be available as well as a cash bar. Extra bingo cards and raffle tickets can be purchased. There is also a VIP group option (details and prices online). Participants need to bring their own bingo daubers and it is suggested to bring cash for quick sales service (debit and credit also accepted).
Purse Bingo tickets are $60 each and are available online on April 1 at 9 a.m. For more information go to
caledoniafair.ca.
