Bingo hits the headlines Down Under

It’s taken for granted that we all love a great game of bingo, whether we choose to play online, on our mobile or in the more traditional setting in bingo halls. However the thrills and spills of the game are magnified ten-fold when we know that the game is being played to raise money for charity.

One celebrity has taken time out of her busy schedule in Australia to co-host a charity event which raised money for an organisation that helps HIV patients. Taking a break from her role as a mentor on Australia’s X Factor Dannii Minogue joined forces with prominent Sydney drag queens to wow audiences with the glamorous spectacle.

Ever the fashion icon, she was dressed in a matching metallic pencil skirt and see-through black blouse with her hair, now blonde, all gathered up in a pony tail. Her co-hosts tried to outdo each other with their sensational attire, with false eye lashes all a-fluttering and bright red lipstick to the fore. There was a great deal of fun-filled action on stage, with the trio shimmering their way through the bingo calls, to the delight of the bedazzled audience, dancing and strutting all the way!

The event coincided with Dannii’s 44th birthday, although I’m sure she would prefer it if we weren’t counting. Fellow performers and back-stage helpers contributed towards making it a birthday to remember for Dannii, and with the success of the charity fundraiser the diminutive Australian singer couldn’t be happier.

However you don’t have to be a celebrity to get involved in raising money for charity, and organising a bingo event is the perfect way to bring in the cash. It’s simple, uncomplicated, and above all there are not many people who can resist a game of bingo – it’s a great crowd pleaser. You have the opportunity to make a real difference to somebody’s life and if you get together with a bunch of like-minded friends now, you will have time to fundraise for the less fortunate over the rapidly approaching festive season. Alternatively Pudsey bear time is on the horizon and a charity bingo event could be just what’s needed to boost the total for Children in Need. You can add to the fun by making it fancy dress as most people relish the opportunity to dress up. You could even have a super-hero theme where all participants come dressed up as their favourite – who would you be?

There is much to be said for the age-old adage that it is much better to give than receive. We all enjoy that thrill of the jackpot win whatever our game of choice, but it can’t do us any harm to think about setting some aside to help out people who are experiencing financial challenges. A simple gesture of goodwill can restore someone’s faith in human nature and set them on the path to a more positive outlook. We don’t all have the personality and celebrity status of Dannii Minogue but we can all do our bit in the bingo community.