Because there is no government financial support for the SSAC, we mainly rely on membership and activity fees as well as donations to support our programs. The online 50/50 lottery was initiated this January to help maintain our food services, geared towards seniors in the community. The problem with a province wide online 50/50 is stimulating sales with only a small promotion budget. We contacted Global TV news at 6 team with our story in February. Huge thanks to Brian Coxford (SSAC member and former Global TV journalist) for keeping in constant communication with them. On Thursday June 12th it happened! Aaron McArthur and his cameraman Sergio arrived to film the story. They took copious videos in the kitchen and around the Centre, and interviewed Chef Emily and President Richard. When the story aired on the News at 6 on Monday June 16th it had an immediate effect on the 50/50 sales as it resonated with viewers around the province. One Burnaby viewer was so moved that she phoned in and made a direct donation of $1,000 to the Affordable Lunch program.
The Jackpot in May was $2,280, however in contrast, when the June draw was made the Jackpot was $14,075, which benefitted greatly from the broadcast. The $7,038 prize was won by Jay Biddle of Langley Township. It is heartwarming to witness how many ticket buyers from around all of BC were moved by our cause to participate. If we can sustain or build this jackpot even higher each month, we will be able to maintain the low prices, increase food production and make inroads towards food insecurity in our community. Thank you to all those who bought tickets especially those off the Coast who have connected with our cause. .
