Canal Days 50/50 Early Bird Winner Announced as Jackpot Surges Past $12,000
Local excitement is heating up as the Canal Days 50/50 jackpot surpasses $12,000 and the first early bird prize winner has been announced.
Kevin Kortekaas of St. Catharines, Ont., with ticket number 130932, was drawn as the winner of a new 43-inch Hisense 4K Smart TV during a Facebook Live event hosted by Port Cares on Friday. The draw was the first of three planned for this year’s lottery fundraiser.
The next early bird prize, a $500 grocery and gas gift card, will be drawn on Aug. 1. The grand prize draw takes place on Aug. 5.
Funds raised support the Port Cares Reach Out Centre food bank in South Niagara, where demand has increased alongside the rising cost of living. Proceeds help provide staple items such as pasta, peanut butter, canned meats and Kraft Dinner.
“In the middle of this crisis, every Canal Days 50/50 ticket purchased does more than offer a chance to win, it’s a lifeline for families in our community,” said Christine Clark Lafleur, CEO of Port Cares.
“Children, seniors, and working parents are all being impacted. People simply can’t keep up with the cost of living. The need is urgent.”
According to PROOF Canada’s 2024 Household Food Insecurity Report, nearly one in four Canadians, an estimated 10 million people, experienced food insecurity last year, up 15 per cent from 2023. Approximately 2.6 million people reported severe food insecurity, meaning they missed meals or went without food altogether. Children made up nearly 700,000 visits to Canadian food banks in a single month.
Upcoming Draws
- 2nd Early Bird Prize Draw: August 1 - $500 Gas & Grocery Gift Card
- Grand Prize Draw: August 5 - Jackpot now over $13,000 and growing!
Tickets are available at portcares5050.ca or in person at 92 Charlotte Street, Port Colborne.
“This is how we rally as a community,” says Lafleur. “Buy a ticket, feed a family, and you might just walk away with a big win of your own.”
For updates, future prize announcements, and to watch upcoming live draws, follow Port Cares on socials.
