A lucky St. Catharines man is heading into the end of summer with an extra $46,520 in
his pocket, after winning the grand prize in Port Cares’ most successful Canal Days
50/50 draw to date.
Norm Savoie, with ticket number #233480, was announced as the winner of the draw on
Tuesday, August 5, during a live broadcast on Port Cares’ Facebook page. The final
jackpot total reached an incredible $93,040, with half awarded to the winner and the
remaining funds going directly to Port Cares’ Reach Out Centre, which delivers vital
poverty relief benefits in South Niagara.
“This has been our biggest 50/50 draw ever, and we couldn’t be more grateful to
everyone who purchased tickets,” said Christine Clark Lafleur, CEO of Port Cares.
“While we’re thrilled for Mr. Savoie, we’re even more thankful for what this means for
our community. These funds will go a long way in helping families who are struggling to
put food on the table.”
Port Cares is facing unprecedented demand across its Reach Out Centre programs,
which include the local food bank, community meal program, and family supports. With
no government funding to sustain these services, the organization must raise $700,000
through fundraising and donations this year to meet the growing need. In 2024 alone,
the agency spent nearly $200,000 on canned and boxed food items due to a steep drop
in non-perishable donations.
“This isn’t just about a big prize, it’s about big impact,” said Clark Lafleur. “Every ticket
helped us get closer to making sure kids go to school with full bellies, seniors aren’t
skipping meals, and families in crisis have somewhere to turn.”
The 50/50 campaign launched in early July and included two early bird prizes: a 43”
Hisense 4K Smart TV and a $500 grocery and gas gift card. Thousands of tickets were
sold in-person at Port Cares, online at portcares5050.ca, and throughout the Canal
Days festival weekend, where Port Cares staff and volunteers were on-site connecting
with the community.
The organization is encouraging ongoing support as the affordability crisis continues to
grow across Canada. To learn more about Port Cares’ mission or to donate directly,
visit portcares.ca.