A 50/50 lottery has been launched to raise funds for the ACCESS Open Minds youth mental health facility in downtown Sarnia.
Bluewater Health Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander is hopeful the idea will help them reach a $3 million fundraising target.
Bluewater Health Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander. Submitted Photo.
"We know that lotteries have been doing incredibly well in the pandemic, especially in response to so many cancellations of typical special events," said Alexander. "So, we're excited to launch our own 50/50, and win big for the youth in our community and somebody, of course, will win big over the next several months."
Over $1.7 million has been raised so far, but there is still a ways to go to achieve the overall goal of $3 million for the facility, at the former CIBC building on Front Street.
"There's four monthly lotteries set up so far, starting in July and ending in October. Tickets can be purchased at www.access5050.ca and all of the proceeds will support the Access Open Minds initiative."
Alexander said their fundraising goal grew in response to increased building costs.
"We have a tentative occupancy date of January 2022. The RFP [request for proposals] just closed for construction and we have a beautiful drawing of the design that's ready to go."
The partnership between Bluewater Health, Bluewater Health Foundation, Canadian Mental Health Association Lambton-Kent and St. Clair Child and Youth Services will provide tailored and holistic mental health and addiction support to youth ages 12 to 25-years-old.
"The need was there before the pandemic, but if anything, we really recognize the impact that the pandemic has had on mental health and well-being, and so the need has actually increased quite a bit. We know the centre needs to open. We know the centre will have a tremendous impact."