EARLTON – The Earlton Lions Club is just four weeks away from its 32nd-annual mega draw and is desperately asking for all of Northern Ontario’s help.
Forced to deal with the impacts of COVID-19, the Lions Club was only able to sell roughly 40 per cent of its 8,400 tickets and had to postpone the draw from its original date of June 27 to Sept. 20 at 4 p.m.
As well, due to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s (AGCO) legislation that governs draws in the province, a total of $200,000 in prizes is already guaranteed regardless of the number of tickets sold. It is therefore paramount for the club to sell as many tickets as possible in order to make its draw profitable and continue to give back to northern communities.
“Traditionally, we go out on the road to sell our tickets at events and festivals across the north and at participating retailers,” François Gauthier, outgoing president of the Earlton Lions Club, said in a statement.
“Unfortunately, this type of sale became impossible during the lockdown. Today, we're asking people to come to us.”
Tickets cost $80 and can be purchased by contacting any of the club’s members, by visiting earltonlionsdraw.com and reserving the ticket online, ordering by mail or fax at 705-563-2200, and by calling the club at 705-563-2633.
New this year is also the option to purchase a ticket via e-transfer, which can be sent to [email protected].
The grand prize this year is $150,000 and there will be $50,000 in secondary prizes, all tax free.
The lottery is intended for Ontario residents only. Ticket buyers must be in Ontario at the time of purchase and tickets must be mailed to a residence within Ontario.
Since 1988, all profits from the annual draw have been reinvested throughout Northern Ontario.
More than $1.6 million has been donated to over 100 organizations, including hospitals, schools, food banks, youth groups and recreation and cultural clubs.
The Earlton Lions Club says it is counting on the solidarity of the people of Northern Ontario to help it give back to its charitable work once again this year.
