Some excellent prize offerings have proved somewhat enticing.
Kidsport Ponoka has now concluded its second annual May Long raffle fundraiser with the winners having been drawn May 16.
Chairperson Christina Gilbert explained this year was a tougher sell than last, likely due to the present economy, but that it was still a success as around two-thirds of the 500 tickets were sold.
“(The raffle) was pretty good with some excellent support from the business community of which we are always grateful to have,” Gilbert said, adding that all of the proceeds raised stay local.
“We will look at, likely, doing something different next year, but this was definitely successful.”
Kidsport is a national organization, with provincial and local chapters, that provides financial assistance to children to help them participate in a variety of sports.
Gilbert added the local Ponoka chapter supported 89 kids in 2018 paying out close to $19,000 in registration fees and equipment supplied through Sports Central in Edmonton. Support is provided on an as-needed basis to a maximum amount of $300 annually per child, which is determined through a confidential application process.
“We’ve supported kids — sometimes in multiple sports during the year — playing soccer, baseball and hockey,” she said.
“The great thing is that we have a good partnership with Sports Central giving us the equipment that is then delivered for free by Roseau Trucking.”
This year’s raffle featured five packages valued at about $450 with all of the items donated by a variety of local businesses.
Coffee and Home package: pedicure date for two, pottery decor, pair of handmade mugs, luxury coffee grinder, $100 gift certificate from The Brick, Black Rifle coffee, Cup of Calm boxed tea, heart-shaped ornament and coin purse.
Family Summer Fun package: Four one-day passes to Calaway Park near Calgary, $50 gift certificates from Boston Pizza and IGA, $50 Cineplex gift card, two water bottles, a baseball, a youth baseball bat, four backpacks, a Lego kit, a water frisbee set, two shaker bottles and two coin purses.
Health and Fitness: assorted health food gift basket, concussion course gift certificate, one month gym membership, two ladies shirts, one men’s sleeveless hoodie, two drawstring gym bags, gift certificate for a fitted sole orthotic, biofreeze lotion and a travel foam roller.
Kids golf package: one set of fitted kids clubs and bag, private swing lessons, 50 golf balls, 50 wood tees, 25 performance tees, putting tool, double sided brush, microfibre golf towel and $100 Ponoka Golf Club gift certificate.
Ladies Self Care package: tie dye experience gift certificate, Beelieve headband with secret pocket, Corkcircle canteen and wine tumbler, Young Living travel pack, coffee mug and cute sign, sage smudge, healing rocks, bath salts, ornament and coin purse.
Kidsport Ponoka is operated by seven dedicated volunteers. To find out more information or to get involved head to www.kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/ponoka.