Arbor Gallery, an Ontario-based charity in Vankleek Hill, has been enriching the community through arts and culture since 1994. It provides a platform for artists to showcase and sell their work while engaging with the public through workshops, exhibitions, and performances. The gallery also collaborates with local schools to enhance arts education. As a charity, it relies heavily on donations and subsidies which, as is the case for many rural cultural organizations, has brought its own challenges.
A few years ago, Arbor Gallery joined the Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA), which collaborates with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) to help fund charities throughout the province. Delta Bingo gaming centers in Ontario redistribute proceeds via the (OCGA) amongst participating charities. In turn, charities contribute by sending volunteers to assist at gaming sessions, receiving funds based on need and expenses. As a beneficiary of this program, Arbor Gallery was able to overcome many years of financial struggles and build a stable foundation for its cultural initiatives.
On Saturday, December 7, some of the Arbor Gallery volunteers gathered at the Delta Bingo center in Hawkesbury to experience the game as players rather than helpers. “We wanted to acknowledge the Delta Bingo once more, and why not make it a fun outing?” states Sylvie Bouchard, Secretary-Treasurer of the Board of the Arbor Gallery who coordinates the bingo volunteers for their organization. Most of the group were first-time bingo players and really enjoyed the experience. “We had fun, but I am ashamed to say that I lost the jackpot of $1000 by one rookie mistake! Had I won, I would have used the money to help with the gallery’s upcoming move,” she laughs. “Well at least it will be a funny story to tell!”
Arbor Gallery is moving its activities to 103 High Street in Vankleek Hill as of January 16, 2025. To find out more about the gallery, visit www.arborgallery.org To learn about the OCGA, visit www.charitablegaming.ca.
