Catholic schools in Calgary, Canada, have consented to stop using casinos and bingo games to raise funds. However, until they figure out how to make up the $2 million that these activities bring in each year they plan to continue as usual.
The issue of quitting the gambling fundraising efforts through first came up when Calgary Bishop Fred Henry threatened to strip the Catholic schools of their Catholic designation if they keep on raising money this way. While the schools do intend to comply, some parents have expressed their concern about the Bishop's decision.
Cathie Williams, the chairwoman of the school district's trustees fears that without these funds some of the programs that have been around for many years will be lost. The money funds programs in arts and athletics and also helps financially disadvantaged students.
$2 million, which is about half of all the money raised for Calgary's Catholic schools, comes from various casino games and bingo. A portion of the profits of the privately operated casinos goes to the schools, which, in turn, supply volunteers to work at these venues.
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