Often in times of despair and uncertainty, we see people and communities joining forces to spread a little happiness and it’s true to say, the humble game of bingo has certainly been lifting spirits during the Covid-19 crisis.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way!
Since the Government ordered all bingo halls, pubs, clubs, restaurants and social events to close down and people to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives, this has become an extremely lonely time for many people. For some, their days out in their local bingo hall, was the only social interaction they had from week to week. While we all want to adhere to these rules, when it comes to lifting spirits, where there’s a will, there’s a way, and we’ve read some truly inspirational stories of people using bingo to bring communities together.
A-List stars and local heroes
Last week, A-list movie star Matthew McConaughey and his family, hosted a virtual game of bingo for all the residents at a local assisted living complex in Texas. 
We also heard about a Liverpool bingo hall boss who, along with his staff, are personally calling up all the regular elderly players every two days, to check they’re ok and delivering food and essentials to any that need. His is also donating £1million per week to help with communities struggling during the coronavirus crisis. The boss of Bet365, Denise Coates, has also donated £10 million from her charity foundation, to a local hospital to help with Covid-19 and the redevelopment of their cancer centre. 
A 13-year-old boy from Derby has been arranging bingo games each weekend for the whole of his street. All the residents took him up on his offer and he’s raised £80 so far and continues to hold bingo games at the weekends. In Scarborough, Gill Armstrong and Sam Howes, also arranged games of bingo and daily exercise sessions for their cul-de-sac, with everyone ensuring they’re correctly socially distanced. It is a great to ensure some of the elderly residents get to keep in touch and keep active and has brought the whole community together. 
These are just a few of the heart-warming stories of people and communities coming together, usually with bingo at the centre, in order to get us through these uncertain times.