Elks Association starts fundraiser to support seniors, provincial hearing centre

The Saskatchewan Elks Association has launched a new fundraiser designed to help residents with medical needs, support seniors’ homes and contribute to the Saskatchewan Pediatric Auditory Rehabilitation Centre (SPARC) in Saskatoon.

The Saskatchewan Elks’ Trucks and Bucks Lottery features a grand prize valued up to $80,040, with the winner able to choose a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab, a 2021 Ford F-150 Lariat, or $65,000 in cash. Furthermore, the organization is offering an early bird prize worth up to $5,000 in cash and a 50/50 raffle with the winner taking up to half of an increasing jackpot of $100,000.

The early bird cut-off deadline is on June 8 at 11 p.m., with the draw date on June 25. The final cut-off for ticket sales is on June 29 at 11 p.m., with the final draw to be made on Tuesday, July 13.

The Elks’ foundation has been around for many years and supports Saskatchewan residents over age 18 with medical and financial needs, explained Harold Claffey, lottery chairman and publicity director. This fundraiser replaces one normally held in the summer but was not as successful, which is why the group hired professional fundraisers to organize this lottery.

“It’s going well. Tickets are selling fast. Get your tickets now because tickets might sell out before the early bird draw deadline, which is early next month,” said Claffey. “And it’s going to be a pretty successful fundraiser for us, enabling us to continue with our mission and vision and to do good works in the province of Saskatchewan.” The Saskatchewan Elks Association’s foundation provides homes for seniors throughout the province, including in Moose Jaw on Home Street East near the Snow Hut, he continued. The homes ensure seniors do not have to leave their communities for bigger centres and keep together families.

The organization also heavily supports SPARC since the Elks have been pioneers in supporting children’s hearing across Canada — there are five hearing centres across the country that he group helps — especially in developing cochlear implant technology.

The Elks has more than 50 lodges in small towns across Saskatchewan and are “community people helping community people,” added Claffey. The foundation gives these lodges a common cause and purpose; the organization will be able to use the profits from the fundraiser to continue performing good works throughout the province.

Tickets for the grand prize can be purchased for $20 each, five for $50, 20 for $75 or 50 for $100. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased for $10 each, five for $25, 15 for $50, or 50 for $75.

Visit trucksandbucks.ca to purchase your tickets and support the Saskatchewan Elks Association.