Science Timmins raising major cash at S&T

You may have seen them around in red aprons selling 50/50 tickets or at the entrance way to the Stars and Thunder Festival grounds.

Science Timmins is holding 50/50 draws all week long at Hollinger Park, and they’re already just under the $20,000 mark through two plus days.

(UPDATE: After Day Three, they eclipsed the $40,000 plateau.)

The village’s co-founder Lorraine Cantin says she expected it to be popular, as most 50/50 draws tend to be. But it’s the outpouring of support that really strikes her.

“We are just so happy that the city is behind us in this, giving us this opportunity to fundraise,” she told Rogers Media Monday afternoon, “It’s an indirect way for them to support the Science Village, as opposed to saying ‘Here Science Village, we’ll give you so much money to help you out,’ so its really giving us an opportunity to touch individuals in the community to support us, and at the same time, getting a chance to win a lot of money.”

“It’s a win-win situation all around.”

She adds the reception has been positive, with many individuals contributing once they found out where the money was going.

Looking into the numbers, Day One saw Jean-Marc Gallant collect $5,380. That mark was shattered in Day Two, with Brad Beard taking home a whopping $14,160.

Cantin says they didn’t set a fundraising goal. But we asked when factoring in another six days—including a Canada Day that’s anticipated to pack the park like never before—could $100,000 be a realistic total?

Cantin answered she sure hopes so.

“People are really gung-ho to buy tickets and to have a chance,” she said, “It’s a cash prize, and that’s always enticing.”

Unfortunately the draws have a daily limit on how much they can sell/give away, according to the permit issued to them.

Luckily, that limit is a whopping $50,000.

And Cantin says even if they have to cut off sales, they won’t turn away a donation if you’re willing to help the cause.

“We never say no to donations,” she said with a laugh, “That’s our bread and butter because we’re non-profit.”

Cantin says the money will help fund new exhibits and equipment inside Science Timmins’ facility in the old emergency department area of St. Mary’s Gardens. This is located in a lane way bearing their name behind Timmins city hall.

“We do have great exhibits, but we want variety,” she replied, “So if we can buy other great exhibits, than we can put some away, take some out, we can vary our activities and I think that will bring more people in.”

“And of course, our activities are for all-ages, so you need a wide variety of equipment and exhibits for that.”

Day Three of the Stars and Thunder Festival saw country star Beverley Mahood give up her emcee duties and put on a show of her own. That was followed by JJ Shiplett, Joel Plaskett and headlined with Canadian music legend Tom Cochrane with Red Rider.

The night’s fireworks were to be provided by Team Finland, but they have been delayed a day due to adverse windy conditions.

LOOKING AHEAD
Tuesday’s lineup for Stars and Thunder features Goliath, Bayla, Lights and Simple Plan. Fireworks by Team Finland. Team Ukraine’s status is unknown due to the delay.