Terrace’s Happy Gang Centre is preparing to give out thousands of dollars in prizes as part of a raffle to recoup losses from it’s COVID-19 hiatus.
The centre, home to the Terrace Old Age Pensioner’s Association, relies on its kitchen to generate funds and keep the building operational. It serves as a meeting place for seniors, offering events, activities and lunches.
The Happy Gang Centre was forced to close at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was able to reopen in November of last year, but the profits from the kitchen will not make up for lost income during the time it was closed. According to the centre, the price of food has also cut into revenues.
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In an effort to boost its finances, the centre is holding a raffle, selling 2,000 tickets at $20 apiece. First prize will be $8,000, with other cash prizes of $4,000, $2,000 and $1,000. There will also be an early bird draw of $1,000 at the members meeting on Mar. 10, and the main draw will happen on June 9.
Tickets are available for purchase from any Happy Gang member or at the centre during lunch. Visitors must show proof of vaccination, wear a mask and sanitize their hands before entering.
The Happy Gang Centre serves lunch between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekdays, with family pancake breakfasts set to return Mar. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon.
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