In the spirit of the upcoming winter holidays, the British Columbia Lottery Corporation will be once more giving back to the local communities. On November 29, 2021, the Crown agency announced that it will be hosting an online fundraiser called Love Local BC, which will be contributing to the Food Banks BC and other local organizations.
The start of the Crown’s fundraiser comes at a crucial time as many local communities are still recovering from the recent flooding in the province. According to the BCLC, the online charity event will run from November 29 to December 10, 2021, and the value of the purchased product from its Love Local BC page will go into one of 11 food bank groups.
Giving Back
Chief Social Purpose Office and Vice President of Player Experience at the corporation, Peter ter Weeme said that with the fundraise the company has found another way to contribute to the greater good. He also noted that the corporation is proud to be helping local communities, non-profits, and local businesses through its latest online fundraiser, which comes at a crucial time in need.
In order to raise funds for the locals, the BCLC has acquired a number of items and gift cards from local businesses and it is now offering them on its Love Local BC page. Once one of the items is purchased or is successfully bid on via silent auction, the funds from it will be directly sent to a food bank organization. Thus, providing pivotal support.
Dan Huang-Taylor, Executive Director of Food Banks BC explains that the organization supports over 102 member food banks in the province, by supplying them with funds, food, and other services in order to meet the needs of the most vulnerable residents. He also noted that such fundraisers from the Crown are instrumental for the organization to support the other food banks.
The BCLC also informs that everyone who has purchased a gift card or has bid on a silent auction item will participate for a grand prize of Parq Vancouver experience worth up to CA$5,500. It features a one-night stay in a luxurious suite, provided by the property. The Crown has also partnered with six casinos to host onsite food drives from November 29 to December 10.
Enormous Contribution
A recent study from the Thompson Rivers University determined that over the years the BCLC has managed to contribute over CA$2.2 billion to the economic and social development of the Kamloops region. The research also found that during its operations for the last 34 years, it has managed to spend CA$232 on local goods and services, thus benefiting local businesses and groups.
Fiscal Year 2020-21
At the end of August, the Crown published its Annual Service Report, which includes its 2020-2021 fiscal performance along with highlights for the year. For the FY, the agency has managed to accumulate a record-breaking amount of revenue from lottery and iGaming offerings. In addition to that, the BCLC has provided over CA$419 million in net revenue for the province, which is a significant impact on the local economy.
Source: “BCLC’s Love Local BC Online Fundraiser for Food Banks BC Makes it Easy to Shop Local and Give Back”, BCLC, November 29, 2021
