A host of downtown Duncan businesses are joining hands to help the Cowichan Valley Performing Arts Foundation.
Proceeds from a “Big Raffle”, which features $12,000 in prizes and is part of the Downtown Duncan Day celebration on July 16, are going straight to the Foundation.
Some of the bigger prizes include a mattress and bedframe from Resthouse Sleep Solutions, a $200 gift certificate from Cardino’s Shoes, spa packages, a kids bike, $100 from Royal Dar Restaurant, a dance class for a year, and more.
The draw for the prizes will take place at 7 p.m. at Duncan City Square but there is still time to get in on the event.
Swing by the Duncan Farmers’ Market on Saturday, various businesses or the Downtown Duncan tent set up at Station and Craig Street until July 16 to purchase tickets for a chance to win.
Tickets are $2 each or three for $5.
The CVPAF’s efforts are aimed at helping fund bursaries in the performing arts for students who otherwise would not be able to afford classes.
In addition, in an effort to continue to build funding for scholarships and bursaries to help support kids in performing arts programs, the CVPAF has also introduced an online donation option through Canada Helps.
Supporters can visit www.cvperformingarts.ca and click on the Donate Now button to contribute.
Unsworth Vineyards hosted a concert July 3, raising more than $800 for the CVPAF.
Foundation president Olivia Boudreau said she is delighted to see businesses stepping up to help with this much-needed effort.
“This fall, the CVPAF is gearing up for the largest intake of the year on Sept. 1, 2016 and with the help of local businesses and organizations, like Peninsula Co-op, Unsworth Vineyards, the Downtown Duncan Days Big Raffle, the CVRD, the Municipality of North Cowichan and the City Of Duncan, the CVPAF is better positioned fiscally in meeting the financial needs of education by way of additional classes, workshops and conferences,” she said.