SYDNEY, N.S. — There’s a fresh new look to a popular fundraiser that’s helped to support programs and services at the Cape Breton YMCA for the past 25 years.
Essentially, for $2 per week, registered participants will have a chance to win 50 per cent of a progressively growing weekly jackpot as part of the new YLotto Weekly Toonie Draw.
Previously, the fundraiser saw people pay $99 up front for the chance to win over 100 prizes, including cars, trips and cash.
“Back in the day we used to have weekly draws but to make it work we’ve had to push up our price point over those 25 years to the point where a $99 ticket was proving just to be unaffordable for a lot of people,” said Andre Gallant, CEO of Cape Breton Family YMCA.
“Our break-even point on the number of tickets sold was getting closer and closer to the draw, we fund the grand prizes out of the ticket sales and we were getting a little bit anxious. Our net revenue from it was dropping, our stress levels and work to make it happen were going up so we re-examined what we were doing, how we were doing and what was working in other communities.”
Debbie MacLeod, manager of fundraising for the Cape Breton YMCA, said something more sustainable was needed and research showed that a 50/50 weekly draw had proved successful around the Maritimes.
“The Amherst Ramblers brought it forward five years ago and they made $770,000 last year,” she said.
“The Boys and Girls Clubs of Miramichi are making $30,000 a week. We heard it is popular in Prince Edward Island, too.”
While people can take part in the draw for $2 per week, MacLeod said expectations are that those who previously participated in the old YLotto format will continue to pre-pay for the new draw on a yearly basis. The combination of yearly subscribers and casual participants could make for some very good cash prizes.
Gallant also believes progressive jackpots will keep people playing.
“The chase the aces, the 50/50s — when you see them grow and grow and grow is what keeps them playing and coming back,” he said.
Proceeds from the draws are a big part of the Y’s charitable work, Gallant said, and supports individuals and families that otherwise couldn’t afford things like day camp, swimming lessons or YMCA memberships.
“This is a way we can pay our staff and provide the building so we can offer services to people at a rate that they can afford,” he said.
“YLotto has been the biggest part of that over the years. We are quite proud of that history and we will continue with that. And if our revenues bump up higher than they were in previous years that means we will be able to do a little bit more.”
Registration for the new draw is now open. The first prize will be awarded on Dec. 19.
How it works:
- Register for a number for life.
- Drop your toonie with your number for life sticker on it into a toonie box at participating locations.
- Toonies must be in boxes by noon Wednesday or prepay by 5 p.m. each Wednesday.
- Prepay for the year for $100 (optional).
- Winners announced Thursday’s at 9:45 a.m. on 101.9 The Giant and New Country 103.5.
- Winners receive 50 percent of weekly jackpots.
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YLotto tickets now on sale in Cape Breton
