While the Thunder Bay resident might not know about his new asset yet, his name was drawn for the Fort William Rotary Club’s 25th Rotary House Lottery. Kerr is now the owner of a Sherwood estates home that is valued at more than $370,000.
Kerr’s ticket was selected at noon on Canada Day, and in keeping with tradition the winner was not one of the hundred or so people who attended the draw at the Travelodge Airlane Hotel.
While Kerr might be the only resident receiving a home from the draw, the organization that held the fundraising contest could also be considered a winner.
“This is probably one of the best years for ticket sales in terms of getting tickets into the drum,” said Bob Hookham, chairman of the House Lottery. “I think we were really successful with the amount of tickets we sold and being able to give that money back to the community.”
While the ticket sale goal was at 8,000 – the organizations most aggressive target to date – the more than 7,300 tickets sold is enough to allow the Rotary Club to fulfill its fundraising commitments.
Some of those commitments include:
- $100,000 to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s angioplasty unit.
- $60,000 to the George Jeffrey Children's Centre for video conferencing equipment.
- $5,000 to the new Mary J.L. Black public library.
“And there’s always lots of little things that come up throughout the year as far as people needing help – a wheelchair, a hospital bed, the air cadets, the Boys and Girls Club (of Thunder Bay) – so we try to hold some back in reserve for these little requests that we know will be coming along.”
With another draw in the books, the Rotary Club will now start working toward its 26th Canada Day House Lottery. There will be little rest for House Draw committee, as their next meeting to prepare for that draw is already scheduled for July 7.
Hookham said they will take a look a good look at how things went for the 25th lottery, and then begin preparing for next year’s fundraising contest.
As for this year’s prize, Hookham said Kerr will likely be a very happy winner.
“He’s won a fabulous house; an energy efficient home in the Sherwood Estates area,” he said. “It’s a great prize, or if he sells it then it’s a great infusion of cash in his pocket. “
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