COVID-19 has forced Sarnia-Lambton Rebound to postpone the February 2021 Hearts for Youth Gala, but that isn't stopping the youth organization from spreading some cheer this holiday season.
Executive Director Carrie McEachran said it was a difficult decision to cancel the gala, but adds having over 300 people in one room isn't feasible right now.
She said they've partnered with the Carpenters Union Local 1256 for the first-ever "12 Days of Christmas" online raffle fundraiser.
"Every day for the first 12 days of December, people buying tickets will have the opportunity to win a pretty amazing prize," said McEachran. "These are prizes that we would be typically using for our big gala each year, so there's some good stuff on there. We're hoping to raise at least $86,000 to offset what we would raise from the gala every year."
The value of the prizes ranges from between $500 for a horse-drawn carriage ride for up to nine people, to a $2,700 Louis Vuitton handbag.
McEachran said tickets are now on sale for those aged 18 and over, and residents can visit www.reboundonline.com to buy them and for more information.
The daily draws will be held at noon each day at the Rebound offices at 10 Lorne Crescent in Sarnia. Daily tickets must be purchased by midnight, the night before the next day's draw.