THUNDER BAY – The Fort William House Lottery has received special permission from the province to sell tickets online.
Stephen Margarit, president of the Fort William Rotary Club, on Thursday sent a letter to ticket buyers encouraging them to shop electronically to purchase tickets on the $589,000 South Creek Street home. In-person tours and ticket sales were suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The draw date was also changed from July 1 during Canada Day celebrations in Marina Park to Oct. 12, with early bird draws now beginning in July.
“We are excited to announce that we have been approved by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to commence with online ticket sales for the remainder of this lottery. You can now fill out our form and pay online by credit card for your ticket and your stub will be mailed to you by one of our volunteers,” Margarit said in the letter.
As of Thursday morning, abouot 55 per cent of tickets have been sold.
Because of the change in terms, organizers say they're also giving ticket buyers an out.
“Individuals who purchased ticket prior to June 17, 2020 have the right to withdraw their tickets from the raffle with a full refund,” Margarit said.
Requests to withdraw must be received, in writing, online or by mail, before 6 p.m. on June 28, 2020.
The first early bird draw is scheduled for July 3.
Over the past 33 years, the House Lottery has raised $452,000 for local charities, including the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation and the George Jeffrey Children's Foundation.
