Sarnia's Inn of the Good Shepherd is looking to help families and businesses hit hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The non-profit has launched the Local Shopping Spree Raffle that will raise money for those in need through prizes bought from local businesses. Inn Executive Director Myles Vanni said they believe the best way of helping somebody is to ensure they have employment.
"In a lot of raffles, the charity asks the businesses for prizes -- we're purchasing the prizes outright from the businesses to help give them support and keep them working," said Vanni. "We're really excited about the raffle because we really think it's a win-win. It's going to help our programs in terms of raising funds for, but it's also going to help local businesses getting through this very difficult time."
The $50,000 prize board includes 11 shopping spree packages ranging from $1,000 to the Grand Prize Home Package of $20,000.
Vanni said the money raised will certainly help them meet increased need for Inn services caused by the pandemic.
"Pre-COVID, we had 35 people in shelter at The Haven and the Good Shepherds Lodge, and now we've got over 215 people in care in hotels and motels throughout the city," he said. "People have become homeless because of the pandemic, and we're really, really working hard to support them -- make sure they're fed and cared for and sheltered until we can get them back into housing."
Vanni said they've also seen increased need for food services, and that on average, they're feeding around 1,800 people per month.
"We distributed over 6,000 food boxes through to the fall, so that's been a real challenge for families."
The raffle is working alongside 35 local businesses, and is being supported by #Local and the Supporting Sarnia and Surrounding Businesses Facebook Group.
Tickets are $25 each and will be on sale until the draw on Friday May 28.
For more information on the raffle or to purchase tickets, please visit www.localshoppingspree.com.