A very enjoyable evening was spent with Highlands neighbours at the first Pub Night offered since 2019. The Pub Night on April 29 was the conclusion of our first 50/50 lottery and the first time we used an online platform for the sale of tickets.
The raffle raised a total of $12,190 with the winning ticket worth $6095 held by Allan MacDairmid. Congratulations to Allan! In addition, the raffle added approximately $4800 to the hall renewal fund once expenses were paid.
A huge thank you for the very generous support of community members, their families and friends, the “town criers” who shared the message and helped neighbours buy a ticket!
About the raffle
To share a little information and to answer some of the questions made to the fundraising team, Rafflebox is one of a few online platforms authorized by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) to conduct online fundraising in Alberta. They offer advertising, ticket sales and the automated system of winner selection for the 50/50 lottery. Their platform automatically prepares the reports on purchases and financial reconciliation which AGLC requires at the conclusion of any lottery.
Next steps
The fundraising team received feedback that the Rafflebox platform was very easy to use, but there was still a barrier affecting those who are unfamiliar with or do not wish to purchase tickets online. We’ll use this feedback to be as inclusive as possible for future fundraising. Another barrier at the moment is communication as search for the position of Communication Director for HCL is underway.
In conclusion, we hope to use more events like this to engage the community in a social setting, and continue to highlight the ways you can meet your neighbours and support building a new community hall.
