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Have you got your ticket for a chance at summer bounty?

Port Cares will be selling their 50/50 tickets during the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival, running this year from Friday, July 29, to Monday, Aug. 1.

The take-home prize is more $16,420, which will make someone in Ontario very happy. This is the seventh draw for the charity in Port Colborne and so far winners, all from Port or Welland, taking home $190,000.

The draw is open to anyone in Ontario over the age of 18. Funds raised from the draw go directly toward the food bank and meal program that operate out of their Reach Out Centre.

Funds are crucial, now more than ever, as Port Cares has seen an increase of 35 per cent in people needing food bank support since the pandemic began. Numbers for their meal program have doubled.

“The community has been so supportive in our online 50/50 draws and we wouldn’t be here without the help,” explains Christine Clark Lafleur, executive director. “We are excited to see what the response will be like at Canal Days, but we anticipate it being a huge success.”

“We’re helping more people than ever before and we know how big of an impact even the smallest amount of help makes. We love hearing the stories,” she said.

The draw deadline is Aug. 1, at 2 p.m.

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.
  • September 2021 — Bruce Wilson of Port Colborne: $34,155.
  • January 2022 — Kathy Pitkin of Port Colborne: $37,505.
  • May 2022 — Suzette Lemay of Welland: $27,795.

You can get your tickets online at any time at portcares5050.ca. Tickets can be bought in person from the office at 92 Charlotte St., Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. with cash or credit card.

Port Cares will have a booth at Canal Day on West Street between Charlotte and Clarence streets during the following times: Friday from noon to 11 p.m.; Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m., and on Monday from 10 a.m. until the 2 p.m. deadline.

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 at portcares.ca.