Bingo revenues clothe constables

Page 6

Once upon a time there was a small group of constables who didn't get any respect from the people they worked so hard to protect.

You see, these men had no uniforms distinguishing them as peacekeepers from other people. They had to walk around their northern Manitoba beat in blue jeans, which don't show the dirt as much as some uniforms, but still are too common for real constables to wear.

After pondering the issue with great care, the head of the group, Cpl. Craig MacLaughlan, had a brainstorm: "Bingo, that's it, we'll throw a bingo for the four reserves we patrol. We'll kill two birds with one stone that way.

"Not only will that raise big bucks to cover the eight warriors, it will give the RCMP a chance to demonstrate how easy it is to obtain a bingo permit," thought MacLaughlan. "And we all know how popular bingo are, especially up north."

The wacky idea caught on, even if the idea of a Mountie-run bingo raised a few eyebrows here and there. The remote RCMP detachment gained notoriety among the press with its innovative plan to buy uniforms for its band peacekeepers and provide an example for Native leaders. But, as with all great ventures, there were some rocky roads to be travelled before arriving at the Mecca.

The first bingo was cancelled because of fierce spring weather. The skies opened and dumped record-breaking amounts of snow around Island Lakes, approximately 600 km northwest of Winnipeg.

So the good corporal tried again. This time the four reserves were linked by telephones and televisions for the game. And BINGO, the sewing money rolled in. All $13,000 worth.

Now the Native constables will have their own uniforms and the RCMP had a fun-filled evening. Who ever said Mounties were boring?