(April 27, 2021 - PORT COLBORNE) Port Cares wants you to buy tickets to win some ‘Spring Ka-Ching’ this Friday, which will help them help people in-need. The online fundraiser supports the agency’s Reach Out Centre Food Bank, which receives no government funding and relies on donations.

“This draw is vital for us to raise the funds needed to help struggling families,” says Christine Clark Lafleur, executive director at Port Cares. “With the cost of food on the rise, high prices and housing costs, everyone is feeling the pinch—especially low-income families with school-age children.”

 As of now, the 50/50 winner will be taking home over $20,000, but Clark Lafleur explains that the agency needs the split amount to reach $30,000 to fund its charity services at the Reach Out Centre through the next few months.

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“We rely solely on fundraising and donations to provide assistance through the Reach Out Centre,” Clark Lafleur explains. “Over the next eleven months we have to raise approximately $320,000 through donations and fundraising to assist local residents, families and struggling seniors who are trying to make ends meet on fixed incomes.”

Phil Rudachuk of Niagara Falls won the early bird draw on April 14, taking home a 50” RCA 4K Smart TV, donated by Winn Plumbing and Heating. 

Weather-permitting, the agency will be selling tickets outside on Friday, April 29, during the Port Colborne Farmer’s Market. Folks can use cash outside or debit / credit inside the main entrance. 

The cash winner will be selected on Friday at 2:01pm.

The biggest draw winner so far took home almost $43,000. A total of over $161,000 has been won in Port Cares’ draws which began in the summer of 2020. Four of the winners were from Port Colborne and one from Welland-- even though anyone in Ontario 18+ can purchase tickets.

Since the on-set of the pandemic, Port Cares has had a 35 percent increase in people accessing their services. They’re helping more people than ever before, with less opportunities for fundraising and altered services.

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.

Thank you to Winn’s Plumbing & Heating for donating the 50-inch TV for the early bird prize.

Winners Re-cap:

September 2020 – Michael Mamo of Port Colborne: $19,830

January 2021 – Marion Minor of Port Colborne: $27,465

June 2021 – Tami Reimer of Welland: $42,660

Sept 2021 – Bruce Wilson of Port Colborne: $34,155

January 2022 – Kathy Pitkin of Port Colborne: $37,505

HOW TO GET TICKETS:

Purchase online anytime at www.portcares5050.ca. Tickets are five for $10, 20 for $20 or 100 for $40.

Come to Port Cares at 92 Charlotte Street, Mon-Fri 8:30am – 4:30pm

Outside on Friday, April 29, from 8am - 2pm

HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU WON:

One winner will be picked at 2:01pm. They will be phoned directly, and the name and ticket number will also be posted to the Port Cares Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts within a half hour.

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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. 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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