50/50 Draw Launching to Care for Port Cares

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Get ready to show you care for Port Cares by purchasing tickets for an online 50/50 raffle, launching today at portcares5050.ca.

Covid-19 has certainly affected all aspects of local, provincial and national economies with businesses and organizations having to move quickly to adapt, re-position and recover. With this reality, Port Cares is finding new ways to support its charity services – one new approach being the new online 50/50 draw.

“Here at Port Cares, our ability to serve the individuals, families and children who count on us has certainly taken a toll with the impact of Covid-19,” says executive director, Christine Clark Lafleur. “Social distancing has limited the services we provide in-person while demand for assistance in areas like our meal program for low income people has skyrocketed. And now with the economic downturn coming out of the pandemic, we know that the need in our community is only bound to grow.”

Tickets for the new Caring for Port Cares online 50/50 draw go on sale August 11, with three Early Bird draws and the final cash draw on September 10. On August 13, someone can win a $100 gift card for Tender Cuts Quality Meats, on August 20 a $100 gift card for Sobeys and on August 27 a $100 gift card for No Frills.

Tickets are 5 for $10, 20 for $20 and 100 for $40 at portcares5050.ca.

“We’re hoping to call on our community supporters and partners to help share the word and take part where you can,” explains Clark Lafleur. “We really need to raise $15,000 per draw, with up to three more draws over the next year.” Losing the proceeds of major fundraising events like the annual auction gala has left a shortfall of $150,000 – funds depended on to operate the agency’s charitable services like the foodbank which does not receive any form of government funding.

Port Cares is hoping that the residents of south Niagara will rally together to participate in the online 50/50, demonstrating support for the agency that assists thousands every year. However, the online 50/50 is not just intended for those living in Port Colborne; anyone 18 and over can buy tickets across Ontario.

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, Niagara Youth Justice services, 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. Our services are wide-ranging - the need is undeniable.