Under the G for great fun at Irish Harp

Bingo night has some regulars who won't miss the event, and new patrons who have heard about it and come out to play bingo and help raise money.

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1 / 1 Jovie Joki hands Ward Simpson, board member of Red Roof Retreat, a cheque for $4,500 after the last bingo event. Half of that came from patrons, the other half from The Irish Harp.Joy Sanguedolce

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The Irish Harp is planning one more bingo night to benefit Red Roof Retreat this spring, having already donated a significant amount to the non-profit, which provides respite care, recreational programs and day camps for special needs children and their families.

It’s become a popular event, typically selling out, with many regulars returning to enjoy the banter from bingo caller Ward Simpson and the camaraderie of the evening, in addition to the possibility of winning cash prizes, and each bingo night seems to get better and better.

Jovie Joki, owner of the local pub, has supported Red Roof from the pub’s earliest days. It began with the former owner and her partner, Trevor Smyth.

“Trevor was very big on Red Roof ,” says Joki. “He was a good friend of Ward’s, and Ward introduced Trevor to Steffanie (Bjorgan, Red Roof CEO).”

Smyth became a board member of the organization, and Jovi says she is carrying on his support with the regular fundraisers.

She also holds events to raise donates for other local causes, including a Scavenger Hunt, helping to promote other local businesses, the annual Santa Run, where she offers her premises and a breakfast, and a fundraiser to help the Royal Canadian Legion complete renovations on the Clock Tower.

Even dogs in aren't forgotten - she hosts Patio Dog Days and invites patrons to bring their four-legged friends, and offers activities to raise money for the Ride for Paws event to raise money for Niagara Dog Rescue.

In addition to the money collected from patrons on bingo night for Red Roof, Jovi matches that amount, and with bingo nights last fall and so far this year, she has donated about $10,000.

Bjorgan, a regular at the bingo nights with her husband Moe and friends, says it’s always a fun night. "This is the third year Joki has been holding the fundraiser, “and she never ask anything of us," says Bjorgan. "It’s great that she does these events for Red Roof, and she’s been very generous in helping us.”

"We're part of the community," says Joki, "and we like to be part of the heart beat of the community. We want to support our patrons, our businesses and charities in town. We do what we can."

The next bingo night is Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30 p.m.