THUNDER BAY – The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay is hoping a top prize of up to $9,500 will entice people in the city to support the organization’s annual 50-50 draw.
Executive director Randy Moore on Friday said 100 per cent of the proceeds will remain in Thunder Bay to help nearly 3,000 people in the area battling the disease or other forms of dementia.
It’s much needed funding, he said.
“There’s always increased pressure on the Alzheimer Society,” Moore said. “Increased costs are always a tough thing we have to consider each year. But there are also fewer government dollars to go around. We were the only Alzheimer’s society in the province, out of 30 societies to receive a cut in our funding.
“That’s why things like this are imperative. We do serve Thunder Bay and the region.”
In fact, the organization’s catchment area is just over 400,000 square kilometres, an area larger than the size of Germany.
“Basically most of the money we use to offer the services we have are through donations and fundraising activities like this,” Moore said.
Moore can’t say exactly how much the grand prize will be, as it is dependent on the number of tickets sold.
“It could be up $9,500. There’s a second prize of an overnight stay at the Blue Fin Bay Resort. And third prize is a gift basket from Shopper’s Drug Mart,” Moore said.
Organizers launched the campaign on Friday at Thunder Bay Mitsubishi, one of several locations tickets can be found.
General manager Jeff Witiluk said it wasn’t tough to make the decision to partner with the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay.
“It’s a disease that affects a lot of people in our community and it’s always good to help out where we can, so whenever we have an opportunity, we jump on it,” Witiluk said.
Tickets are $5 apiece or three for $10.
In addition to Thunder Bay Mitsubishi, tickets are available at the Blue Door Bistro. Tables will also be set up at the Intercity Shopping Centre and the Arthur Street Marketplace as well as at the Alzheimer’s Society’s Park Avenue offices.
