The Rotary Clubs of Grande Prairie have handed out the proceeds of their 2022 Cars for Christmas Lottery to various local non-profits.
Swan City FC was one of the many non-profit organization recipients this year. Executive Director David Rojas says he is very happy and thankful as the fund will keep their club going and make their goal of making soccer affordable for children a reality. He adds they are trying their best to make the club cover most of the costs, so they don’t put pressure on parents.
“We are very grateful to the Rotary club because these funds will allow us to keep our fees low, the cost of balls, facility maintenance, and cutting grass,” says Rojas. “Soccer is one of the most affordable sports in the city and we intend to keep it that way, we raise funds and keep it cheap for all the kids to join.”
Swan City Rotary Club President Amanda Erechook says it is an honour to work together to keep the community going.
“It’s an incredible honour. Our club is 127 members of exceptional people. We are all bound together and we want to see our community be a better place.”
According to Swan City Rotary Club Lottery director Pamela Nordin, the club has seen success in multiple areas despite the challenges they face due to things like inflation. Nordin says they had a record-breaking 50/50 at $298,330, reaching 84 per cent of the ticket sales, and a 33 per cent increase in in-person sales.
Other recipients include East Smoky Minor Hockey, Grande Prairie Gymnastics, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Grande Prairie & Area, Tiny Hands of Hope, Rotaract Club of Grande Prairie, and the GPPSD Education Foundation.