2 DAYS LEFT TO WIN OUR 50/50 DRAW
(June 2, 2021 - PORT COLBORNE) Port Cares’ third online 50/50 draw is shaping up to be the biggest prize yet. One lucky winner will be picked on Friday, June 4 at 2:00pm and will take home at least $26,000, with the pot continuing to grow.
This is the third lottery for Port Cares which launched its initial draw in August 2020, as a new fundraising initiative to help close the gap in lost fundraising revenues during the pandemic. 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
James Culic was the Early Bird draw winner on Friday, May 21, taking home $1,000; $500 in grocery gift cards and $500 cash. He even donated a portion of his cash winnings back to the registered charity.
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.
“We’re excited to see who will win our third draw,” says Christine Clark Lafleur, Port Cares’ Executive Director. “We’ve had two 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.”
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 to purchase.
THIS FRIDAY
Port Colborne Market goers can take advantage of getting tickets across the street at Port Cares from 8:30 until exactly 2:00pm. They will also be giving out free books from their EarlyON Centre to passersby.
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.
Since 1986, Port Cares has offered a multitude of services for people, young and old, not only in Port Colborne, but also across Niagara including Lincoln, West Lincoln, Welland, Pelham and Fort Erie. They offer housing, employment training, a foodbank, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, a meal program, utility assistance, counselling and crisis services- as well as seasonal programs like Coats for Kids, Give a Gift and more. Their services are wide-ranging - the need is undeniable.
Port Cares’ mission is to help those in our community with social and economic needs improve their quality of life. Port Cares’ vision is to provide help, hope and opportunity for all to achieve their potential.
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