Edmonton's Catholic schools raise money through casinos

Edmonton's 84 Catholic schools raise more than $3 million a year through gambling. A single night at a casino can raise $40,000. That money goes to things like additional computers, library resources, field trips and phys-ed equipment.

The Catholic schools board, in consultation with Edmonton Archbishop Thomas Collins, will take another look at the practice after it was prohibited in Calgary, although Janice Sarich (Ward 2 trustee) said that the feedback he's received from parents is strongly against any motion that would restrict the flow of money generated by casinos.

Edmonton Archbishop, Thomas Collins, admitted the fact that using gambling to raise school funds is immoral, but, on the other hand, he hasn't threatened schools with cessation of Catholic services.

Now, the days of Edmonton's Catholic schools raising money at casinos and through bingos could be numbered.