Today was a day when I know 3 people had smiles on their faces and maybe even tears in their eyes!!!

My OUT and ABOUT began at noon at Baxtrom’s Your Independent Grocer. I arrived there at 11:45 to see people purchasing their last minute tickets for The United Way/Centraide SDG’s annual “Celebration Sleigh raffle” with the draw taking place at noon today. Tickets were 1 for $5 and 3 for $10 with sales starting on November 27th, 2020. I had bought my 3 tickets a week ago so I was excited for the winning name to be drawn today …

Title sponsor for the Celebration Sleigh was Bank of Montreal and this year there were also weekly draws for 2 – $100 gift cards from Canadian Tire and Baxtrom’s YIG – a bonus for people who bought their tickets early.

Of course with COVID things were quite a bit different today and the huge sleigh that would usually be on display was quite a bit smaller and the crowd that would usually congregate for the draw was definitely much smaller but nevertheless the grand prize was still pretty impressive, as always. This year it consisted of $2,500 in prizes, including $1,000 cash, gift cards from the LCBO, Baxtrom’s YIG, Canadian Tire, Gas Cards, a gift from Baxtrom’s and a Fitbit Versa 2.

The draw was held right at noon with volunteer Stephen Douris picking the name for the last weekly draw and announcing the winner as: Christine Campeau and then the Grand Prize …

Drum Roll please … was picked by store owner John Baxtrom of Baxtrom’s YIG while Susan Currier, United Way Office Coordinator, held the box that was stuffed full with ticket stubs.

and the winner of the Grand Prize – Johanne Mallette!

The mission of the United Way is to improve lives by working together with priorities focused on moving people from poverty to possibility, healthy people, strong communities and all that kids can be. “Every raffle ticket sold for the “Celebration Sleigh” will help the United Way continue to invest in our community, especially now as we are seeing the long-term impact the pandemic will have on Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry in the coming years.” said Juliette Labossiere, United Way Executive Director, in a recent press release.

For more info about United Way/Centraide Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry, which supports 22 programs and 16 agencies in the area, please visit: unitedwaysdg.com

So with 2 winners already announced I continued on to the Agape Centre where at 1pm there was going to be another draw for $10,000. Again I had my ticket ready …

This year with COVID, fundraising at for the Agape Centre had to have a different approach especially as their dances etc. had to be cancelled. So earlier this year I was happy when I got approached by Maurice Dupelle, to design a special draw ticket with the Grand Prize of $10,000 to be drawn just before Christmas.

Tickets were $20 each (with only 3,000 available) and all proceeds going to the Agape Centre to “Help us end Hunger”.

As I said this draw took place shortly after 1pm with Maurice Dupelle, chair of the board of the Agape Centre, making a short speech as Lisa Duprau, Executive Director of the Agape Centre looked on and then Maurice called upon a customer at the New For You Thrift Store to come and pull a name out of the Ballot Drum.

and the winner of the $10,000: Betty McIntosh.

Maurice called her while I was still there and you could see how happy he was to make someone’s day with this great news and when I asked him what Betty’s reaction was – he said she was crying – with happy tears of course!!!

During 2020 the Agape Centre has helped many more people who have suffered food shortages due to COVID. Please check the article that Lisa Duprau, executive director of the Agape Centre, submits to the Seeker each month and for more info about the wonderful services offered by the Agape Centre, please visit: agapecentre.ca

I have to say I came out of the “New for You Thrift Store” a winner as well with a new coat. I couldn’t resist it as it was calling my name …

You have to check out all the treasures they have in there at 40 Fifth St. W. Cornwall and remember that all money from purchases goes directly to help make sure that “no man, woman or child should go hungry”, the simple belief that the Agape Centre was founded on in 1971. If you need any help please do not hesitate to contact the Centre at 613-938-9297.