RELEASE: START YOUR SUMMER SMILING WITH CASH FROM PORT CARES’ THIRD 50/50

(April 29, 2021 - PORT COLBORNE) Port Cares is launching their third online 50/50 draw on Saturday, May 1 at 9am. This time, the guaranteed take-home prize is $10,000; double from their previous draws.

There’s an early bird draw on Friday, May 21at 2pm, where the lucky winner will take home $1,000; $500 in grocery gift cards and $500 cash. That person’s ticket will also be put back into the pile for the big cash draw, which is on Friday, June 4 at 2pm. Winning will kickstart someone’s summer fun.

“Winning this draw at the beginning of June could mean someone is getting a backyard oasis put in for the summer,” saysPort Cares’ Executive Director, Christine Clark Lafleur. “We’ve all been enjoying our own yards for quite some time now.”

Since the pandemic hit, Port Cares has seen its registration for their hot meal program and food bank double. The demand is growing, while the opportunities for fundraising are significantly reduced.

“It’s been a tough year for everyone, no doubt. Funds raised from this 50/50draw are crucial to us because our food bank does not receive any government funding,” says Clark Lafleur. “Many people in our community are facing employment challenges due to the lockdowns and we’re having more and more come to us for help.”

This is the third lottery for Port Cares which launched its initial draw in August2020, 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.

While tickets are available to anyone inOntario, the previous two draws saw two local winners from Port Colborne. Michael Mamo won $19,830 and Marion Minor won $27,465. Both winners donated a portion of their winnings back to Port Cares.

The local support has been plentiful, however, the online 50/50 is not just intended for those living in Port Colborne; anyone 18 and over can buy tickets across Ontario.

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.

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 FortErie. They offer housing, employment training, a food bank, Niagara YouthJustice services, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, a meal program, utility assistance, counselling and crisis services- as well as seasonal programs like Coats forKids, Give a Gift and more. Their services are wide-ranging - the need is undeniable.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT PORT CARES REACH OUT CENTRE:

·       Since 1986, Port Cares has provided social services for people, young and old, not only in Port Colborne, but also across Niagara including Lincoln, West Lincoln, Welland, Pelham and Fort Erie. Port Cares provides services for housing, employment, skills training, a food bank, EarlyONChild 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. T

·      Port Cares Reach OutCentre Food bank (ROFC) assists more than 1,700 individuals. More than a third of the people reliant on the ROFC Food Bank are children. 

·      Hot, nutritious community meals are served three times a week to families and individuals. More than 60 adults and children typically attend each meal. In winter months there will be nearly 100 clients attending at mealtime. Currently there are more than 700 low income local residents registered to receive the MealProgram up from 387 in March 2020 when the pandemic commenced.

·      Since the onset of the pandemic a year ago, the centre has seen a 30 per cent increase in the number of people needing services.

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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