THUNDER BAY – Canada Day is always a fun celebration in Thunder Bay. For one lucky ticket-holder, it could also be life-changing.
The Fort William Rotary Club plans to unveil the winner of its 34th annual House Lottery, the grand prize a $589,946 home located on South Creek Street in the city’s River Terrace subdivision.
In addition there will be 10 early-bird draws worth $5,000 apiece, to be drawn weekly between now and July 1, when the top prize is handed out.
The brick-faced bungalow comes complete with a garage, five bedrooms, a state-of-the art kitchen and a spacious backyard.
Dave Knutson, chair of the Fort William Rotary House Lottery committee, said last year’s giveaway helped raise $452,000 for a dozen local charities and this year they’re hoping to creep closer to half-a-million dollars.
“We had a very successful year last year and we’re looking forward to a very successful year this year,” Knutson said on Thursday, five days after ticket sales launched on site at the home.
“We’ve added some additional features this year that I think will make it interesting to the buying public. The best part is all the money goes to support local charities.”
The house lottery is always a hot ticket.
Last year’s draw sold out well in advance, nearly a month before the winner was announced.
This year’s recipients include the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre Foundation’s Our Hearts at Home campaign, the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, Shelter House, the George Jeffrey Children’s Foundation, 70th Squadron Air Cadets, the Wilderness Discovery Camp, Christmas Cheer, the MS Society’s Lake Superior chapter and Roots to Harvest and others.
Fort William Rotary Club president Stephen Margarit said it’s a pretty good return for a club that only includes 45 members.
“It’s really amazing work that this lottery does in our community,” Margarit said. “Last year we made over $100,000 in proceeds more than we did the year before. And every time you buy a ticket, you are helping local and district charities.”
Tickets are $100 apiece or three for $250 – with the same name or names on each ticket.
The home, built by Lormar-Mario Michieli, is open for tours and ticket sales on Saturdays and Sundays until it sells out, from noon to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit www.fwrotary.ca.
