More than 70 local charities, minor sports teams and area schools are the recipients of $500,000, thanks to the Abbotsford Bingo Association.

"It's great, it's very unique," Playtime Gaming Centres co-ordinator of business development Art Villa said Wednesday as he presented a cheque to Dorothy Van der Ree, executive director of the MSA Museum Society.

"It was really lovely . . . it enables us to continue on with the programming that we do here," Van der Ree said of the $9,000-plus cheque. She suggested the money will go into general operating expenses, and isn't earmarked for anything special at this time.

"This is a tough year, with grants cut back," she said. "It's very important coming at this time of the year."

The society will not receive any more funding until the spring.

Over the past 20 years, the Abbotsford Bingo Association has accumulated funds in excess of its regular distribution, to the tune of more than $1 million.

And although they partnered with Playtime Gaming Centres in 2006, they're still giving back to the community and to the original certificate holders from two decades ago.

Some of the 73 community groups receiving money this fall include seniors groups, minor hockey, soccer, swimming and skating teams, parent advisory groups, Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, MSA Museum, Special O, Big Brothers/Sisters and many others.