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Page 12
Borne out of a comment that CFWE radio's Old Man From the Mountain, Norman Quinney, made, a live broadcast of radio bingo and a jam and Karaoke session were all part of a social that took place in Wabasca on Feb. 3.
Quinney, who was master of ceremonies at the event, said Aboriginal people were not socializing nearly as much as they did in the past, so the event at Big Stone Community School in Wabasca was the first in a series of bingo socials planned by the Aboriginal Multi-Media Society. Other socials will soon be held in locations that pick up the CFWE radio signal.
"So far, I have to say that it is a pretty big success. A lot of people showed up. A lot more than we expected. It seemed like the entire community got involved," said Brad Crowfoot, community liaison for AMMSA. "Because of the fact that you had to be 18 to play bingo, the older people were involved, however the younger group got involved in the jam session and Karaoke session."
The event was not so much for AMMSA, as it was for the community. It brought everyone together. Getting together at a social helps to build stronger relationships and it gave the schools a chance to fund raise for school projects, Crowfoot continued.
"We are planning to be in Fox Lake on March 2," he said.
During the social, the school raised money by holding a rummage sale, bake sale and by selling stew, chili and bannock. The money raised will be used towards school projects or trips.
"Each grade has to do some fund raising and towards the end of the school year, they go on this nice field trip, usually to Edmonton to the Space and Science Centre or West Edmonton Mall," said Doreen Calliou, school administrator. "It was a success. Everyone enjoyed it. We were able to raise some money. The place was set up for 100 people, but after the bingo, teens were allowed in and it was attended by about 200 people," she said.
CFWE was also able to informally poll the people about concerns and suggestions about the radio bingo it broadcasts to Alberta communities.
"The feedback we were able to get out of this bingo social was that they would like to see a greater variety of games played, such as the four corners," said Alan Standerwick, director of radio. "Another comment that some of the players made was that the game should be played on the radio longer, instead of just the half-hour segment that the station plays," he said.
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