For more than three decades, Pickard’s late father, David, was the caller at the Chemainus Legion bingo on Friday nights. It was a role Mr. Pickard enjoyed up until his death in 2009.
And, starting this Friday, Michael is going to follow in his father’s footsteps as the caller at the Oct. 3 Legion bingo.
“When Katherine McCamy called and asked me if would like to do it, I was excited so say yes,” Pickard says.
“It’s a great cause and the Legion does so much for the community supporting the food bank and scholarships,” he adds.
Stepping in as what the Legion is calling the guest caller, Pickard is returning to a familiar place.
“When I was 14 or 15 I worked as a runner at the bingos,” he recalls. The Legion was something of a second home in those days with the Pickards participating in numerous community events that were held at the Legion.
“They let me hold my grad there,” Pickard says. “I have so many good memories. Now I feel like I’m giving back.”
The doors open at 4 p.m. with play beginning at 6 p.m.
Pickard says he’s preparing for the Friday bingo and thinking he might just make it a regular gig twice a month.
“I’m going to try to bring a bit of humour to it,” says Pickard who has served as master of ceremonies for various community events and always manages to add some fun to the affair.
“I’m excited about trying to remember some of my dad’s old shtick.”