source:pixabay.con A group of neighbours in Ralston, Greater Paisley having been raising more than just a bit of cheer over the lockdown period, as their weekly games of street bingo have raised more than £500 for charity.
The Caring Buddies team from Roffey Park Road in Ralston has been hosting weekly games of street bingo to raise money in the memory of the street’s Norman Tucker, who sadly succumbed to pancreatic cancer 2019.
Since the first event started on May 14th, Tracy Coyle, Helen Irvine and Karen Macpherson decorated the street every week and invited residents to participate in the games of street bingo.
The events have gained some local notoriety with residents enjoying an almost festival-type atmosphere. Local businesses have contributed with donations and funding cash prizes.
At the last event, music was provided by local musician John Walker which went down very well with the 100 or so happy residents.
Showing just how bingo has moved with the times, the team used an app and broadcast via a car speaker to make the bingo calls. Also serving as a sign of the corona-times, was the team having to deliver the prizes, which included bottles of prosecco, to the doorsteps of the winners.
Tracy said: “We’re doing this in memory of Norman, who was the kindest, most caring neighbour and looked out for us all.
“Not only that but it’s creating a sense of community in the street. A lot of our residents live alone and this weekly bingo is giving them something to look forward to.
“We all come together and can feel part of a neighbourhood family. It’s so important for older residents who are feeling lonely and isolated after more than two months of lockdown.”
Nobody Feels Alone
Helen added: “The generosity of neighbours and local businesses has been fantastic.
“We’re doing this for Norman, and for everyone in our street, to make sure nobody feels alone.
“This all started when we all came out every week for the NHS clap and we realized there is a need to all come together, and to stick together.”
Takeaway Giveaway
This week, the Caring Buddies team added a raffle to the weekly event. Also, the perfect prize for the very British game of Bingo is the Great British takeaway with prizes being donated from local take-aways Natural Spice, Two Fat Indians, Indian Scene Cuisine Alice Chinese, and Himalaya restaurant. Donations are also being made from local restaurants Genova and Leonardo’s.
All the cash raised from the events will go to the Prince and Prince of Wales Hospice and the Accord Hospice in Paisley.
Ben has been an massive bingo enthusiast and fan since playing at the seaside as a kid. Dedicated to bringing you the latest and best bingo news from the UK
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imagine playing street bingo in Paisley in this winter weather!!!