The Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre hosted their first Amazing Race Bingo on Saturday, June 20th. Participants had six hours to complete their bingo card for the chance to win exciting prizes.

In order to get a bingo 'stamp,' participants had to travel to local businesses throughout Central Alberta. Approximately 80 tickets were sold for a $50 donation to the CACAC. 

Since the onset of the pandemic, many non-profit organizations have been struggling for donations as they've had to postpone or cancel their regular fundraisers. This year, the CACAC’s Battle of Alberta Golf Tournament had to be postponed, along with other planned events.

“There’s quite a bit of loss of revenue from those third-party events and our own. Around $650,000  is what we are expecting to lose by fall from all of that,” said Alyssa Truant, Communications and Community Awareness Coordinator for the CACAC. 

Now that restrictions are lifting, the organization is able to plan more events while incorporating public health recommendations. 

"We just wanted something to get people out of the house. This allows families to jump in the car or just go solo and head out to these different businesses. Maybe you never knew where they were, or even that they were here right in Red Deer, or in Sylvan, or in Lacombe,” explained Truant. 

The event was also an effort to give attention to local businesses in the area that may be struggling with their own revenue losses as a reflection of the pandemic.

“We still have that strong support and commitment from so many businesses. I know we are so fortunate to have them. I think a lot of people are in tough positions, and yet, they are still willing to give,” added Truant. 

Right now, the CACAC is working with advocacy centres throughout the province on a campaign called 'Kids Can’t Wait'. The aim of the program is to get people talking about child abuse and teaching people the signs to look out for so that they are better able to help a child. 

“It was created so people can just better understand that these kiddos are at home and sometimes home is not a safe place. We really - as a community - need to come together for these kids. Be aware and know those signs to look for, especially now that we are in phase two and more people can get out there,” said Truant. 

The funds raised from the Amazing Race Bingo will go towards CACAC programming designed to help people recognize the signs of child abuse. Truant says in time the organization will be rolling out programs to help teachers, caregivers, coaches, and kids recognize the signs of child abuse.

“When [people] are back in school, having those discussions and [we can help] those teachers really feel empowered by knowing what to look for, what to do when a child discloses, and who to call. The empowerment is really important so they know that they can make a difference,” said Truant. 

With everyone contained to their own homes and schools being unable to operate, the CACAC has seen consistent cases of child abuse but is anticipating greater numbers in the fall as schools are set to reopen. 

In the meantime, the CACAC will be working on other events to raise funding and awareness for children who are victims of abuse. To donate to the CACAC, click here.