The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation set for its first 50:50 raffle at the Bell Centre
Initial draw to take place on Tuesday February 3, 2015.
Montreal Canadiens PRESS RELEASE
MONTREAL – The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce the official introduction of the 50:50 raffle at the Bell Centre with the initial draw scheduled for February 3 when the Canadiens host the Buffalo Sabres. On January 1, changes in the guidelines regarding the laws and regulations for raffles by the Régie des alcools, des courses et des jeux went into effect, allowing for 50:50 raffles to take place with a raffle licence delivered by the provincial regulatory body. A popular fundraising event in many sports venues throughout North America, the 50:50 raffles add to the overall experience for fans attending the events while providing the charitable organization with additional awareness and shedding light onto its various endeavours.
Starting February 3, fans attending the Canadiens home games at the Bell Centre will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets sold at rates of three for $5, seven for $10 or 20 tickets for $20 for a chance to go home with half the amount of the night’s raffle ticket sales. The draw for the winning number will be made during the third period of the game with the winner getting a significant sum based on the participation and generosity of attending fans.
To maximize the efficiency of this new lottery system, the Foundation will use an electronic raffle management system. From the time the Bell Centre doors open (90 minutes before puck drop), over 30 volunteers each equipped with an android tablet and a mobile hip printer will walk the concourses and stands selling raffle ticket packages. Thanks to this technology featuring an easy-to-use custom application, fans will be able to see the jackpot increases in real-time simply by checking the central scoreboard and the sellers LCD screens.
Like most foundations, non-profit and amateur sports organizations, the 50:50 raffles at the Bell Centre will provide the Foundation with a significant tool to raise additional funds towards achieving its programmes and initiatives, such as the construction of the BLEU BLANC BOUGE outdoor rinks in underprivileged areas and continue to provide financial assistance to charities throughout the province working to help children embrace a healthy and active lifestyle.
About the Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation
The Montreal Canadiens Children’s Foundation provides help and support to children in need. Since its inception in August 2000, the Foundation has donated upwards of $17 million to 560 charitable endeavors from across the province of Quebec who work for the well-being of underprivileged children. The Foundation fulfills its mandate through a unique flagship project – the BLEU BLANC BOUGE program – which consists of building community refrigerated and multisport rinks, and by providing financial support to organizations whose projects and programs allow children to adopt healthy lifestyles by being more active and eating better.