The Kiwanis Club of Lloydminster has wrapped up its seventh annual $10,000 draw months ahead of schedule, with Richard Venables taking home the grand prize.
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The draw took place Wednesday, Aug. 19, following a rapid sellout of tickets across the community.
Club secretary Vera Gallant called Venables to let him know he had won and he was totally surprised and excited about the win.
Gallant noted that while the final draw was originally slated for October, strong community backing allowed the non-profit organization to sell all available tickets in just two and a half months.
“The community is really good,” Gallant said. “The draw wasn’t supposed to be until October, and here we are in the middle of August and we’re sold out.”
The annual fundraiser generated $10,000 in net proceeds, which will immediately be funneled back into youth initiatives and local community projects across Lloydminster.
Taylor Weaver – Meridian Source
Among the primary beneficiaries is the club’s annual Santa Project, which carries a budget between $7,000 and $8,000. The initiative delivers holiday visits and treat bags from Santa Claus to every student in Lloydminster from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 2 in the area. Funds will also support the Kiwanis Music Festival, where the organization acts as a major sponsor.
Looking ahead, the club is preparing for an executive transition and a busy autumn schedule. Jaime Brown will officially step into the role of club president on Sept. 1.
“We just had our $10,000 draw, which we’re very excited for, and we’re very happy for our winner,” Brown said.
The incoming president highlighted several upcoming fall events, including the Wine Survivor fundraiser set for November, as well as preparations for the annual Christmas light display at Kiwanis Park.
Volunteers will begin decorating the park in October ahead of a late-November light-up. Brown noted that community volunteers, including local students seeking service hours, are actively being recruited to assist with setup and join the service group.
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