Charitable Gaming: At the Heart of Ontario Communities

Photo © Courtesy of Ontario Charitable Gaming Association

Charitable Gaming: At the Heart of Ontario Communities

In communities across Ontario, something remarkable is happening—Charitable Gaming is quietly making a meaningful difference. Behind every game played, there’s a ripple effect that aids local charities, supports vital services, and fosters a culture of giving. Charitable Gaming. Community Good.

For years, Charitable Gaming has been more than just an enjoyable pastime; it’s become a significant contributor to positive change. The Ontario Charitable Gaming Association (OCGA), together with commercial operators, the Government of Ontario and thousands of volunteers, has turned a portion of gaming proceeds into tangible support for the most vulnerable and essential causes across the province.

From health and social services to education, sports, and community support, Charitable Gaming has impacted nearly every corner across Ontario. Each dollar raised reflects the strength of community spirit and the willingness of everyday people to contribute for the benefit of all.

IMPACT THAT RESONATES: REAL STORIES, REAL CHANGE

Take the Dew Drop Inn in Thunder Bay, for example. This community support organization, funded in part by Charitable Gaming, provides nutritious meals to those in need, ensuring no one in the community goes hungry. Programs like “Extras for Seniors” further extend their support, offering essential items like milk, fruit, and personal care products to elderly residents living on fixed incomes. With each meal served and every care package distributed, the Dew Drop Inn reaffirms the power of community and compassion.

Then there’s the Literacy Council York-Simcoe, which uses Charitable Gaming proceeds to deliver lifechanging literacy and digital skills training. For many adults facing employment barriers due to limited computer knowledge, the council’s programs have been a lifeline. Participants gain confidence in essential skills, allowing them to pursue job opportunities and engage more fully in their communities.

Each success story highlights how Charitable Gaming supports empowerment through education, creating pathways to brighter futures for individuals across Ontario.

At the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Auxiliary, Charitable Gaming supports initiatives that enhance patient care. The Auxiliary has pledged to the “Transforming Tomorrow” campaign—an $8 million project that includes a new MRI machine and updated diagnostic imaging equipment. This investment will bring critical healthcare services closer to home, sparing thousands of patients the hardship of travelling long distances for essential tests.

“The great thing about Charitable Gaming is that it allows the flexibility to apply the funds to our utility bills…Charitable Gaming funds literally keep the lights on here at our Hospice.”

—Julie Aube, ED, Maison McCulloch Hospice, Proud participant at Delta Bingo & Gaming Sudbury

FOSTERING INCLUSION THROUGH SPORTS

Charitable gaming supports youth sports organizations like the Kingston Aeros Trampoline Club, which welcomes recreational and competitive athletes, including those with autism and other exceptionalities. Established in 1973, the club offers a safe and fun environment where certified coaches adapt lessons to individual needs. This personalized approach fosters physical skills, self-esteem, and social connections, with some athletes experiencing milestone moments, like sharing a hug or speaking for the first time outside their family circle.

A NETWORK OF GOODNESS: BUILDING STRONGER COMMUNITIES TOGETHER

None of these achievements would be possible without the dedicated network of community organizations and volunteers who keep Ontario’s charitable sector thriving. The charitable portion of proceeds, raised directly from volunteers in 37 Charitable Gaming Centres across the province, enables these organizations to make a lasting impact, funding essential services and fostering community resilience.

In Ontario, Charitable Gaming is an important catalyst for positive change. Through local partnerships, gaming proceeds uplift charities that work tirelessly to improve lives, proving the incredible impact of collective community efforts.

To learn more about how Charitable Gaming is transforming communities, visit CharitableGaming.ca Charitable Gaming. Community Good.