Pāpāmoa residents are turning a simple game of bingo into meaningful community support, with a weekly session already raising thousands for charity just weeks after launching.

Pāpāmoa Lions Club raised $2000 from its Wednesday bingo sessions at the Flying Mullet Sports Bar, with the first donation going towards training a guide dog for Blind Low Vision NZ.

It’s the national organisation supporting people who are blind, deafblind or have low vision, to live independently.

A key part of its work is the guide dog programme, which provides specially trained dogs to assist with mobility and confidence.

The funds from the Pāpāmoa Lions Club were formally presented to Lions district governor Lou Fielder, supporting her chosen project – a guide dog puppy named Lulu.

The initiative, launched just a few months ago, was designed to do more than raise money.

Lions’ member Steven Jensen said the daytime sessions were intentionally created to offer a social outing for people who may not want to go out at night.

“It’s a very easy game to play and anyone can join in,” Jensen said.

“People come along for a bit of fun, but they also like knowing they’re helping the community.”

The weekly sessions have steadily grown, now attracting about 40 players each week.

For many, it has become a regular social catch-up, with small groups of friends attending together.

Jensen said being able to clearly show where the money was going has helped build support.

“With the guide dog, for example, we bring it in and show the bingo players – this is where your money is going. People really connect with that.”

The $2000 milestone was reached within about six to eight weeks, highlighting both the popularity of the sessions and the generosity of those attending.

Without community backing, the Lions Club would struggle to carry out its work, Jensen said.

“Besides raising funds, it also helps people understand what Lions does in the community,” he said.

“Traditionally, we just get on and do things quietly, but people are more likely to support us if they can see the impact.”

The club plans to continue running the sessions, with more local projects already in the pipeline – including support for a sporting group, a school initiative and potential community safety equipment.

Jensen said initiatives like the bingo nights resonated so strongly because the benefits were local.

“We try to put money back into Pāpāmoa. When people know it’s staying in the community, that resonates with them.”

Blind Low Vision NZ chief executive Andrea Midgen said donations help people access the life-changing support of a guide dog.

“They support every stage of the programme – from breeding and puppy raising through to specialist training and matching each dog with the right person.”

It costs about $175,000 to breed, train and support a fully qualified guide dog over its working life, Midgen said, covering everything from breeding and specialist training to ongoing care.

Guide dog services receive no government funding, relying entirely on donations and community support.

“Every donation helps fund programmes that support people to move through their day with greater confidence and connection.”