One of the largest charities in Windsor is opting out of the multi-million-dollar class-action bingo lawsuits filed against the city.

Brentwood Recovery Home’s board of directors has decided not to be part of the suits.

Launched by the ALS Society of Essex County and Belle River District Minor Hockey Association, the lawsuits allege Windsor and Tecumseh charged excessive fees for bingo licences.

The two suits combined are seeking $70 million.

Dan Soulliere, Brentwood’s executive director, says if court were to rule in favour of the complainants, it would hurt the communities, financially.

“The community supported us. They supported our bingos, and now to turn around and join in a lawsuit that’s basically going to be taking money from the taxpayers of Windsor and Tecumseh, the very people that supported us through those years, it would be a real slap in the face to them,” he said.

The lawsuits allege the City of Windsor and Town of Tecumseh overcharged for bingo fees going back to 1993.

Every charitable organization that paid the fees is automatically included in the lawsuit unless they specifically opt out.