Volunteers urgently needed for Library Casino Fundraiser

The Chestermere Public Library Foundation is in desperate need for 12 volunteers to fill shifts for the casino fundraiser Oct. 27 and 28 at the Century Casino in Calgary.
“We’re less than a month away from the casino,” said the Foundation’s Casino Coordinator Lynnsy Plunz.
“We’ve never been this short of volunteers…this close to the casino before,” she said, “We’re freaking out.”
If volunteers can’t be found to fill the shifts the foundation will lose the casino night said Plunz. The shifts they are having the hardest time filling are the 11p.m. to closing ones.
“We just can’t lose this,” she said.
“It is such a major part of our fundraising funds,” said Plunz, “and it provides countless hours to the children of Chestermere.”
No experience is need to volunteer. Casino advisors provide on-site training and supervision during the shifts.
Working the casino can be a lot of fun she said. Volunteers are also provided with meals and non-alcoholic drinks during their shifts.
To run a casino fundraiser, charitable organizations must apply to the Alberta Gaming and Liquor commission for a casino license.
Once this is approved, volunteers sign up and work shifts at the casino which then gives them a percentage of the profits made by the casino during the time of the shifts.
Organizations can apply to run a casino fundraiser every three years.
If the foundation forfeits the October casino, they may have a more difficult time being approved for a casino license in the future.
In the past, casino fundraisers have brought in $35,000 to $50,000 for the Library Foundation.
“It buys a lot of resources for the library,” she said.
The library has used funds from past casinos to purchase new items for the library catalogue and new shelving.
The new shelving that was purchased is easier to move giving the library more flexibility in how the space is used.
“We have more space for any additional programing,” said Chestermere Public Library Assistant Director Cathy Burness.
The money from the fundraiser is important in enhancing the library experience for the community.
“We can add something to the collection so our customers have more variety and selection…we can do it because of the funds that come to us from the casino,” said Burness.
Plunz said that the library foundation really needs the community support to make these fundraisers a success.
“It’s too good to lose,” said Plunz.
To volunteer for a shift, e-mail Plunz at lynnsyr@yahoo.ca.