Snowsuit Fund Launches 3rd Annual 5050 Lottery in partnership with BGC Ottawa

OTTAWA, Ontario – With a view to helping even more deserving Ottawa families with children, the third annual Snowsuit Fund 5050 fundraiser is breaking new ground by welcoming BGC Ottawa to share in the proceeds.

The fundraiser – aptly renamed 5050 For The City, with a corresponding 5050forthecity.com website – runs from November 27 through to the January 19, 2024, grand prize draw. With two well-known and deserving Ottawa charities to support, it is expected that the 2024 grand prize will exceed last year’s total of $500,832. This year’s cross-promotional approach will allow the Snowsuit Fund to share the benefits of a bigger and better campaign with another local charity whose aims, vision and values align.

5050 For The City was developed in consultation with Rogers Radio Ottawa and will be heavily promoted across CHEZ 106, 105.3 KiSS FM and Country 101.1, with the grand prize draw being broadcast live on air January 19 at 9 a.m.

Working together, the Snowsuit Fund and charities like BGC Ottawa can reach a wider audience, sell more tickets, and raise more money to fight the impact of poverty on more children, youth and families in our community.

BGC Ottawa, with clubhouses across the city, provides programming and services directly to children and youth in vulnerable neighbourhoods and is one of several social service organizations that regularly refer struggling families to The Snowsuit Fund for warm winter outerwear.

“We are delighted and grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with The Snowsuit Fund,” said BGC Ottawa’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Joiner. “The need in our community has never been greater, and together we can make a big difference in the lives of our Members, their families and young people across Ottawa.”

“We are proud to continue to be the media organization powering this wonderful initiative,” added Adam Thompson of Rogers Radio Ottawa. “Both of the previous Snowsuit Fund 5050’s broke jackpot records and kept thousands of Ottawa children warm. Together, we are striving for even bigger impact with 5050 For The City.”

Sharing the spotlight means maximizing community impact by reaching more potential donors and widening donor appeal with expanded charitable causes. The Snowsuit Fund and BGC Ottawa will also share the efforts and resources needed to promote the event – a key consideration in the resource-challenged charitable sector.

“We are so pleased to team up with BGC Ottawa in this year’s fundraising initiative,” said the Snowsuit Fund’s Vice Chair Martin Masse. “Both our organizations work to ensure that Ottawa children and youth develop confidence, self-esteem, social skills and a sense of belongingness, regardless of their economic circumstance. There’s strength in numbers and together we’ll make a bigger positive impact on the lives of youth and children in our community.”

Under the 5050 For The City partnership, the Snowsuit Fund remains the lottery license holder and the primary charity. After the prizes are awarded and administrative and advertising expenses paid, The Snowsuit Fund will donate a portion of the net proceeds to BGC Ottawa. Looking ahead to future years, the Snowsuit Fund anticipates collaborations with other charities that are likewise committed to poverty relief and improving lives for Ottawa children and families.

About THE SNOWSUIT FUND (www.snowsuitfund.com)

Now in its 42nd year of operations, The Snowsuit Fund (SSF) purchases more than 16,000 snowsuits annually for Ottawa children in need aged 15 and younger, bringing dignity and hope to families struggling with the necessities of life. A grassroots charitable endeavour, The Snowsuit Fund receives no government funding and relies entirely on the generosity of caring groups and individuals who give their time, money and talents to help those less fortunate in our community.

About BGC OTTAWA (www.bgcottawa.org)

BGC Ottawa is one of Ottawa’s largest child and youth-serving charitable organizations, providing vital programs and services directly to an average of 5,000 young Members annually. Serving 19 vulnerable neighbourhoods since 1923, BGC Ottawa provides safe, supportive places where all kids and teens, of all backgrounds, can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, and develop confidence and skills for life.

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

Mary Jelley press@kowpr.com 613-791-6703