THUNDER BAY – Today Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay is making a plea to the community. Ticket sales for the local charitiy’s annual $100,000 raffle are at an all-time low. The 3rd annual raffle was launched back in December, and to date only 2000 out of the 12,500 tickets have been sold, leaving the not-for-profit organization in a very unfortunate position.
Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay CEO Diane Mitchell says; “If we don’t at least break-even with this fundraiser it will send our organization into a deficit. The worst part of it all is that we will not be able to provide one single home for a local family in need”.
For the first time in Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay’s existence, 10 families are on a waiting list for a Habitat home. The Williams family was told last year that they would be the lucky recipients of the 2011 Habitat home, which now might not be possible due to the poor ticket sales. Mitchell continues; “The Williams family has been looking forward to having a home of their own for months. It breaks my heart that Habitat will not be able to do this for them in 2011”. At a news conference earlier today, Rutland Williams, spoke on behalf of his family. Williams says; “When I was told about our family getting a home in 2011 I just couldn’t believe it. I have always dreamt of the day when I would be handed keys to my very own home. This home represented a better life… more opportunity for my family. I don’t know how I will break the news to my daughter.” Mitchell continues; “Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay and the Williams family needs the community’s help. I am asking the community of Thunder Bay to support the 100-thousand dollar raffle by purchasing a ticket for only 20 dollars. This is not just a donation but it is an opportunity to win a large cash prize. Imagine what you and your own family could do with $100,000 cash. Our previous year’s winners have been able to pay off their own mortgages, pay for their children to go to University, buy new cars, do major household renovations and what we all dream about….pay off their debts”.
Tickets for the $100,000.00 Raffle are available at various outlets across the city including: Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 660 Squire St. Quality Market, Colour Your World.
Regardless of ticket sales, Habitat for Humanity Thunder Bay will have no choice but to give-away one grand prize of 100-thousand dollars along with five draws for one-thousand dollars. All winners will be drawn on May 7th, 2011 at the Habitat ReStore. To date Habitat for Humanity has helped 22 families in the Thunder Bay area, rebuilding hope and the heart of the community.