Port Colborne Man Smiling With $34k From Our 50/50
RELEASE
(Sept. 7, 2021 - PORT COLBORNE) Bruce Wilson of Port Colborne is throwing $34,155 into his bank account today, and with a good arm. The retiree who still competes in discus, javelin and hammer throw looks forward to getting some new gear with his winnings, as he practices often in H.H. Knoll Park.
“I’ve never won anything this substantial before in my life,” says the Sarnia native. “I encourage everyone to participate in draws like this, to support local charities doing necessary work for the community. The lotteries are certainly worthwhile causes and you truly ‘never know’,” says Wilson.
This draw for Port Cares had a guarantee of winning $10,000; same as the previous draw.
“We’re thrilled with the amazing support for this draw during the dog days of summer,” says Port Care executive director, Christine Clark Lafleur.
“After our last draw which someone won almost $43,000, we asked folks on our social media if they’d like to see another before the winter and it was unanimous. Some even asked if we’d do one each month!” said Clark Lafleur.
People from across Ontario can look forward to the next draw launching on December 1, with another ‘12 Days of Giveaways’ in between the January 1 draw deadline.
The ‘End Your Summer Smiling’ draw had an early bird draw on August 13, where Port Colborne resident Jo-Anne Rollin took home a 58” Smart TV, donated by Winn’s Plumbing & Heating.
Community members flocked across the street for both summer draws, with Port Cares selling tickets outside in their parking lot during the Friday farmer’s market.
Funds raised from the draw go directly towards the food bank and meal program that operate out of their Reach Out Centre. Funds that are crucial, now more than ever, as Port Cares has seen an increase of 34 percent in people needing food bank support since the pandemic began and the numbers for their meal program have doubled.
In the summer of 2020, the ‘Caring For Port Cares’ 50/50 draws transpired out of a need to recoup $150,000 in lost funding that was usually raised through fundraising events, which were cancelled due to the pandemic.
“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 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.”
The first 50/50 draw winner in September 2020 was Michael Mamo of Port Colborne, netting $19,830 and donated $5,000 back. The second winner was Marion Minor, who also donated a portion back from her winnings of $27,465. The third winner came out of Welland and saw Tami Reimer take home the biggest prize yet with $42,660.
Port Cares’ food bank needs help now, more than ever, and those interested in further supporting are encouraged to consider a direct online donation. More details can be found www.portcares.ca and click “donate” at the top of the page.
Port Cares would like to thank their generous media sponsors: Giant FM, Country 89 FM, YourTV Niagara and Niagara This Week. As well, the Caring Supporters at the Port Colborne Downtown BIA, Welland Downtown BIA, Super Mario’s Pizza, Boggio’s Family of Pharmacies, No Frills, Don Cherry’s Port Colborne, Breakwall Brewery, Sold by Kate & Nicki REMAX, Lisa St. Amand and Artful Windows.
