Duncan resident Jennifer Roszell was sure surprised when she got the call that she had won $50,000.
The ticket she had purchased on a YouTube ad won second prize in the recent Charity Appeal Draw of Council 4253 of the Duncan Knights of Columbus. For the past 59 years the local Knights have been involved in the annual draw, which raises money for local organizations as well as many others across B.C. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020-21 draw forced the Knights to sell tickets virtually, which the group says wasn’t a big success.
Roszell, however, was thrilled with the online format, as that’s how she purchased the second prize winner. Other prize winners can be seen at KofCbc.org. Lorne Thickett, chairman of the draw, was pleased to present the cheque from a safe “hockey stick” distance in front of the Grotto at St. Edward’s Church on Monday, Feb. 22. The Knights thank everyone who participated.
The Knights aren’t sitting idly during this difficult time.
“The pandemic hasn’t kept us from doing whatever we can to raise funds for worthy causes. We’re now busy raising funds to provide wheelchairs for the disadvantaged, mostly in third world countries,” said Thickett. “It’s hard to believe that only $195 buys and delivers a quality wheelchair to someone whose mobility and independence may have been non-existent for most of their lives but, purchased in quantities, we can help make it happen. We sometimes take our mobility for granted but the gift of a wheelchair can be a life-changer. Anyone wishing to support us in this fundraising effort can find us by emailing the Knights at KofC4253Wheels@gmail.com.”