British Columbia Lottery Corporation, the Crown corporation responsible for commercial gaming in the province, has announced a new resource for the Cowichan Valley.
BCLC has appointed Laurie Stewart as GameSense advisor at Chances Cowichan. The idea is to support players at Chances Cowichan with healthy-play habits, and refer those experiencing challenges with their gambling to the support resources they need.
“I’m delighted to be working here in Duncan, engaging with players and helping connect those who need help with the right resources,” said Laurie Stewart.
“I’m here to share tips about keeping gambling fun, including setting time and money limits, understanding how the games work, and being open and honest with friends and family about personal gambling habits.”
Chances Cowichan is one of several Community Gaming Centres to welcome a GameSense Advisor and Information Centre as part of BCLC’s expansion of the program to every gambling facility across B.C. by fall 2019. Previously, GameSense Advisors were in place at B.C. casinos only.
In addition to the expanded GameSense Advisor presence, BCLC has also invested in new GameSense Information Centres, which are welcoming spaces that encourage players to visit and learn more about how games work, talk with a GameSense Advisor or just take a break.
Based on a BCLC patron survey, the majority of patrons who have visited GameSense Information Centres and have interacted with GameSense Advisors agree they are more educated and equipped for informed play, suggesting the effectiveness of having an interaction with staff onsite when it comes to player education.
“I am proud of our efforts to invest in and enhance player health supports,” said Jamie Wiebe, BCLC director of Player Health.
“Research shows that on-site advisors are a valuable resource in the promotion of responsible play and reduction of gambling-related harms.”
Player health is a key strategic priority for BCLC. GameSense is the cornerstone for engaging and informing players, while removing stigma that may be associated with accessing responsible and problem gambling resources.
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Cowichan Auto Repair is hosting another Women & Wheels Workshop on Saturday, April 6 featuring guest speaker Robin, cosmetics manager of London Drugs. Refreshments and swag will be provided.
In lieu of a fee, please bring a non-perishable donation for the local food bank. Advance registration required.
Contact Elly Ruge at CAR, 778-422-3100.
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Brentwood College School is looking for vendors and program advertisers for the 49th Rowing Regatta.
The annual Brentwood International Rowing Regatta will take place in Mill Bay in April. This event attracts crews and spectators from across the Pacific Northwest, including more than 1,700 athletes and coaches and more than 1,000 visitors daily who come to watch the racing and fireworks.
If you would like to participate as a vendor for the weekend’s festivities or if you would like to support the event by advertising in the regatta program, email ian.mcpherson@brentwood.ca.
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The Duncan Cowichan Chamber of Commerce, together with Coastal Community Credit Union, is presenting Kristi Fairholm-Mader as one of two luncheon speakers in April.
Fairholm-Mader is a co-founding director of Scale Collaborative and a Partner with Social Enterprise Catalyst.
The nonprofit sector is shifting. The nature of funding has changed and at the same time, issues are becoming more complex and needs are increasing — doing more with less is not a tenable way to build strong organizations that can create impact.
Fairholm-Mader will speak about the need for financial diversification and the importance of building enterprising revenue streams: social enterprise, social ventures, performing assets and win-win corporate partnerships.
This luncheon will take place on Wednesday, April 10 between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Best Western CVI. Call 250-748-1111 to register.
You don’t have to be a Chamber member to attend.