Lottery to fund the agency’s food bank kicks off May 1st at midnight
(April 29, 2024 - PORT COLBORNE) The birds are chirping and the clouds are starting to clear out just in time for the kick-off of Port Cares Spring 50 50 draw..
The Port Colborne based charity is launching its 12th 50-50 draw on May 1st at midnight as an important fundraising initiative to support the agency’s Reach Out Centre and Food Bank which is currently assisting nearly 3,000 low income local residents of Port Colborne and Wainfleet.
“The high cost of housing and food inflation means more people than ever before have had to turn to Port Cares then ever before in our 38 year history. I wish I could say that the need for assistance is lessening but that’s simply not true. The need has never been greater,” explains Christine Clark Lafleur, Chief Executive Officer of Port Cares. “More and more young working families with children and seniors are coming to the food bank and or using our meal programs simply because they cannot make ends meet. Food donations are down and we are bulk purchasing thousands of dollars worth of pantry staples every month to help close the gap for struggling families.”
Port Cares is a charity and relies on fundraising and donations to help households experiencing poverty. “We are grateful for the support we receive from our community, donors and supporters. Port Cares ability to help people is solely reliant on fundraising and donations. We do not receive government funding when it comes to our crisis intervention and food security services.”
The biggest draw winner so far took home almost $43,000 and the total for all 11 draws held since the lottery began $353,185 has been won through jackpot winnings and another $25,600 in early bird prizes. Isabell Lott of Port Colborne was the latest winner taking home $24,695 on New Year’s Day. The guaranteed winning purse is $5,000 and an early bird spring clean package worth $500
Will be drawn on May 15th. The grand prize will be drawn on May 31, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.portcares5050.ca or in-person Monday to Friday at Port Cares 92 Charlotte street, Port Colborne.
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, EarlyON Child and Family Centres, a meal program, utility assistance, counselling and crisis services- as well as seasonal programs like Give a Gift and more. Their services are wide-ranging - the need is undeniable.
QUICK FACTS ABOUT PORT CARES REACH OUT CENTRE:
Port Cares Reach Out Centre Food bank (ROFC) assists nearly 3,000 individuals. A third of the people reliant on the ROFC Food Bank are children.
The most needed food item donations for the food bank include canned meat, canned fruit, canned vegetables, pasta & sauce, peanut butter, cereal, jam, baby food, formula and diapers, personal hygiene items.
Last school year the Port Cares Reach Out Food Centre located at 61 Nickel Street, Port Colborne, provided 2,020 lunch kits and more than 12,000 lunches to local school-age elementary and secondary school children who live in low-income households.
Hot, nutritious community meals are served three times a week to families and individuals in need with more than 120 adults and children typically attend each meal.
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.