The Swan City Rotary Club has handed out more than $180,000 to local charities, thanks to the success of this year’s Cash and Camping Lottery.
Among the recipients were the Disabled Transportation Society, which will used their $5,000 to help pay off the cost of two new buses. Another $5,000 will help the Bezanson Ag Society and Fire Department finish their community skating rink and start plans for a new community centre.
Also benefiting is the Seniors Outreach Meals on Wheels program, which saw an increase of 414 new clients over the first seven months of 2016. The Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society will use its $5,000 to feed and take care of its herd. Its riders say they love to volunteer selling tickets, making the event a win-win situation.
Other groups that received cheques Wednesday include Camp Tamarack, Odyssey House, GP Minor Baseball, GP Piranhas, the Sexsmith Playschool Society, Spinal Cord Injury Alberta and GP Gymniks. The organizations partner with the Rotary club to help sell tickets, and in turn get a piece of the proceeds.
Over the past 16 years the lottery has raised $4.4 million dollars. Combined with the annual Cars for Christmas lottery, than total raises to $9.2 million.