Three years after the sale of the RimRock Casino was announced in Port Alberni, revenue from the sale has finally found a home.
The Alberni Valley Gaming Association, which owned and operated the local casino for 12 years, has reached an agreement to donate the revenue from the sale of the casino to the Alberni Valley Community Foundation (AVCF). The revenue equals $1.25 million in total, distributed over the next four years.
“As the investment income increases over the next few years, the foundation will be able to support more local projects and with larger contributions,” said Hugh Grist of the AVCF. “It is fitting that the Alberni Valley Gaming Association, formed by numerous charities, with first the opening of the bingo hall and later the gaming centre, will now be able to benefit many of those charities in perpetuity.”
The AVCF provides grants to charities over all fields of interest across the Alberni Valley, and has been doing so for a quarter of a century. Non-profits can apply before Feb. 28, 2024 for next year’s distribution by following the process outlined on www.albernifoundation.ca.
The Alberni Valley Gaming Association (AVGA) was established in 1988 and successfully operated Dob City Bingo Hall in Port Alberni for many years, benefiting many non-profits and charities in Port Alberni. In September 2007 the AVGA expanded its footprint and went on to own and operate Chances Rimrock Gaming Centre.
In December of 2020, the AVGA announced they would be selling the facility and business (which was later renamed RimRock Casino) to the Coulson Group of Companies.
Through the endowment fund held by the Alberni Valley Community Foundation, proceeds from the sale will continue to benefit the charitable sector of the local community for years to come.
