Canal Days may be in full swing, but the excitement isn’t limited to the waterfront. The jackpot
for the Port Cares Canal Days 50/50 draw continues to grow and another lucky ticket holder has
just claimed an early bird prize.
Congratulations to D. Mitchell of Jordan Station, winner of a $500 grocery and gas gift card,
with ticket number #187414. The second of three prize draws, the Early Bird was pulled Friday
afternoon during the ongoing festival, which has drawn thousands of visitors to the city.
The draw comes as the 50/50 jackpot surpasses $20,000, with momentum building toward the
grand prize draw on Tuesday, August 5. Proceeds from ticket sales directly support Port Cares’
Reach Out Centre, which includes the local food bank, community meal program, and crisis
supports.
“This is so much more than a draw — it’s about feeding families and helping people weather an
affordability crisis that is only getting worse,” said Christine Clark Lafleur, CEO of Port Cares.
“Every ticket sold helps us keep our shelves stocked and our programs running.”
Port Cares reports that it must raise $700,000 through fundraising and donations in 2025 to
sustain its poverty relief programs, all of which receive no government funding. That includes
the Reach Out Centre’s food bank, meal programs, family support services, and community
assistance.
“With non-perishable food donations declining and demand rising, we had to spend nearly
$200,000 on groceries this past year just to meet the need,” Clark Lafleur said. “Every nickel
raised through Canal Days 50/50 goes right back into these essential services - there’s no
buffer, no extra. It’s our community helping our community survive.”
Tickets for the Canal Days 50/50 draw can be purchased at portcares5050.ca or at the Port
Cares booth, on West Street (right by the city docks), during the Canal Days festival in
downtown Port Colborne. The grand prize draw will take place on Tuesday, August 5.