FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 24, 2023
QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady today rose in the Ontario Legislature to cheer on volunteerism and National Volunteer Week. Specifically, she lauded the work of the Hagersville Lions, who recently spearheaded the Chase the Ace raffle.
“Volunteers are the most important resource this province has — our communities would grind to a halt without them,” said Brady. “I want to give a huge shout out to the Hagersville Lions, who recently wrapped up a fundraiser called Chase the Ace. (It) is a progressive raffle in which participants purchase a ticket for a chance to win in the weekly jackpot but also a progressive jackpot.”
Brady described how every Thursday charitable people lined up at the Hagersville Legion to purchase tickets. For 45 weeks the number of tickets sold grew along with the jackpot. She noted that a few dozen Lions Club members, along with Legion members, the Chamber of Commerce, and Hagersville Rocks gave of their time, not only on Thursdays but for the preparation time as well.
Jackpot hopefuls came from as far as the U.S., Nova Scotia, Alberta, and British Columbia and by week 45, an astounding 152,000 tickets were sold.
Brady congratulated all the winners, starting with 83-year-old Richard Marshall who Caught the Ace – a commercial fisherman his whole life who reeled in over $2 million.
The West Haldimand Hospital and Healthcare Foundation gets an infusion of $1.4 million, the local food bank about one million dollars while the Lions will retain $550,000 for other community projects.
Lion Dan Matten said the 45 weeks was simply extraordinary and an entire community effort.
“For those missing the excitement of Catch the Ace, no worries – The Community Support Centre H-N has already started a new round each Thursday at the Caledonia Legion,” reiterated Brady.
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For more information, contact MPP Bobbi Ann at 519-428-0446 or [email protected]