RELEASE: Sunken Treasure 50/50 Winner Announced
SUNKEN TREASURE 50/50 WINNER ANNOUNCED
August 10, 2023 – Port Colborne
A Port Colborne woman has won Port Cares’ tenth 50/50 draw with a jackpot prize of $40,080. Christine Alexander (Ticket #: A-6714500) picked up her cheque from the agency, who sold a ship-load of tickets down at the Canal Days Festival over the long weekend.
“The prize was just shy of $20,000 when we started selling at Canal Days at noon on Friday,” says Christine Clark Lafleur, Chief Executive Officer of Port Cares. “This was our tenth draw and our second-highest jackpot since we started the 50/50 draws in the fall of 2020. We were thrilled to attend Canal Days for a second year and receive an incredible amount of both local and out-of-town support, including purchasers from the cruise ship guests who docked during the festival.”
Clark Lafleur explains that the proceeds from the draw fund the Port Cares food bank, which relies on donations and fundraising to operate and is now assisting one out of every eight local residents. “There are so many young families and seniors who are no longer able to put food on their tables. Without our food bank, they would go without – and without community support, we would not be able to help them.”
Christine Alexander bought 100 tickets for $40 on Saturday at Canal Days and said she had a “strong intuition” to buy another 100 on Monday –the last day of the draw. At 2:20 pm, she purchased $40 more, and it was one of those tickets that won her the jackpot.
Even though anyone 18+ in Ontario can purchase tickets, all ten winners have been local for the agency’s online draws. A grand total of $328,490 has been raised to support Port Cares’ Reach Out Centre services. These funds go directly toward feeding families in need and have been a lifeline to support the food bank, hot meal, and school lunch programs.
The annual ‘Back to School Backpack Program’ is now underway and accepting donations. Families wishing to register can phone (905)-835-1914 and apply for a backpack with school supplies appropriate to their age/grade. Registration is also available at the Reach Out Centre (61 Nickel Street, Port Colborne) during food bank hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Those interested in supporting in other ways are encouraged to visit: www.portcares.ca/full-website/get-involved#donate
Port Cares would like to thank their generous media sponsors: Giant FM, Country 89 FM, YourTV Niagara, and Niagara This Week. As well as the caring supporters at: Port Colborne Downtown BIA, Super Mario’s Pizza, Christopher’s Pizza, Breakwall Brewing Company, Canalside Restaurant, Inn and Store, The Pie Guys Bakery and Café, Grants Gifts & The Picket Fence, The Smokin' Buddha, Whiskey &Walleye, and The Crafty Wench.
Next Draw:
Port Cares’ popular Holiday 50/50 Draw will return on November 27, with 12 early bird prizes and the cash draw on January 1, 2023.
WinnersRe-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
April 2022 – Suzette Lemay of Welland: $27,795
August 2022 – Rebecca Clark of Welland: $38,805
January 2023 – Kristy Kosanovich of Niagara Falls: $31,190
April 2023 – Teresa Swan of Crystal Beach:$29,005
August 2023 – Christine Alexander of Port Colborne: $40,080
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 food bank, 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.
-30-
Photos attached: Christine Alexander holds the big cheque outside the agency doors at 92 Charlotte Street in Port Colborne.
Interview contact:
Christine Clark Lafleur
Chief Executive Officer
905-834-3629 ext. 248
92 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne, ON L3K 3E1
