Only 48hrs Left To Win Our Fourth 50/50 Draw: $24k+
(September 1, 2021 - PORT COLBORNE) Port Cares really wants someone to end their summer smiling with over $24,000 in cash, as long as they purchase their tickets by 2:00pm this Friday. The fourth online 50/50 draw began on August 3 and will officially close on Friday, September 3 at 2:00pm, so there is still time to see the prize climb even higher.
The previous draw that concluded on June 4 was the biggest prize to date; Tami Reimer of Welland took home $42,660. Forty-eight hours earlier the prize was only at $26,000.
“It’s incredible to see the jackpot climb exponentially in the final days and we are anxious to see if another local will take home the winnings,” says Port Cares executive director, Christine Clark LaFleur.
“We launched the online draws in August of 2020, as a new fundraising initiative to help close the gap in lost fundraising revenues during the pandemic,” explains Clark Lafleur. “Every year the agency needs to raise more than a quarter of a million dollars to be able to provide food bank, meal services, crisis intervention and other family support services.”
The first draw last summer saw Michael Mamo win $19,830 and Marion Minor won $27,465 for the holiday edition one, this past December. Both winners donated a portion of their winnings back to Port Cares.
This draw had an early bird prize of a 58” Smart TV, which Port Colborne resident Jo-Anne Rollin took home.
“We’ve had three locals win so far, even though anyone across Ontario 18+ can win. That goes to show you the phenomenal community support we receive and for that, we’re truly grateful,” says Clark Lafleur.
Funds raised are imperative to the wraparound organization; specifically, its food bank. Since the pandemic hit, Port Cares has seen its registration for their hot meal program double and food bank users increase by more than 30 per cent. The demand keeps growing, while the opportunities for fundraising are significantly reduced.
“Port Cares Reach Out Centre food bank assists more than 1,700 individuals in our city,” explains Clark Lafleur. “More than a third of the people reliant on those services are children.”
Currently there are more than 700 low-income local residents registered to receive the Meal Program up from 387 in March 2020 when the pandemic commenced.
GETTING TICKETS
Tickets are 5 for $10, 20 for $20 or 100 for $40. Anyone 18+ in Ontario can purchase tickets online at www.portcares5050.ca. They can also be purchased in-person at Port Cares’ main office – 92 Charlotte Street in Port Colborne, Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 4:30pm. There is a covid-safe vestibule at the main entrance and people can use cash or cards to purchase.
THIS FRIDAY
Port Colborne Market goers can take advantage of getting tickets across the street at Port Cares from 8:00am until exactly 2:00pm. Port Cares’ EarlyON team will be giving out free children’s books as well.
The winner will be contacted first by phone and then announced live on Port Cares’ Facebook page and then on their Instagram and Twitter accounts.
