By Mike Renzella
The Haldimand Press
CALEDONIA—Hot on the heels of the runaway success of Hagersville’s Catch the Ace fundraiser that raised nearly $3 million for local not-for-profits, Ace fans need look no further than Caledonia for their next fix as the Community Support Centre of Haldimand Norfolk (CSCHN) has launched their own weekly event to help raise funds for the vital services they offer.
Like the Hagersville competition, participants can either watch the draw take place live at the Caledonia Legion, or they can tune in to a video stream found at CSCHN’s Facebook page. Last week, April Newstead was the jackpot winner, taking home $2,186. The estimated overall jackpot for this week has already grown to an impressive $10,473, just four weeks after the fundraiser started. Comparatively, the Hagersville Catch the Ace took until Week 22 to hit a similar jackpot of $11,200.
CSCHN launched in 1987 as a charitable organization aimed at bringing essential services to Caledonia, leading to the creation of the centre.
“The centre connects individuals to a variety of health and social services. Annually, we refer approximately 14,000 clients to the services they require,” explained Executive Director Andrea Gee.
She said it was one of the centre’s volunteers, Sid Drury, who first pitched the idea of doing a Catch the Ace fundraiser, adding, “Sid is very familiar with the work we do and thought it was the perfect fit. Sid has been involved in three other Catch the Ace fundraisers.”
CSCHN got their AGCO license at the end of February and partnered with the Caledonia Legion, who have volunteered their space for the weekly draw, which keeps the same schedule as Hagersville’s event, running every Thursday.
Gee said that the proceeds will be put toward their current expansion plans at their current home. According to a CSCHN release, the facility will house a 1,600 square foot state-of-the-art commercial and teaching kitchen, in addition to a wellness room with a coffee bar, and a community garden to grow food for use in their meal and culinary programs.
Gee said there is a strong community need for the expanded space and programming, noting that raised funds will be used to “finish the interior of the building.”
With people still eager to participate in a weekly draw, Gee said interest has been strong so far and the jackpot is growing quickly. Whether the Caledonia competition can manage to stretch as long or reach the same levels of profitability logged in Hagersville remains to be seen, but the team behind the event is preparing for such a possibility.
“It has been very successful so far. The community is really excited about Catch the Ace. They have seen the success of Hagersville and the organizations that have benefited and they want to be part of it,” said Gee.
When asked about the logistics of handling an influx of people comparable to the thousands that eventually descended on Hagersville every week as the jackpot crossed the million-dollar mark, Gee said, “It would be amazing if the Caledonia Catch the Ace was as successful as Hagersville’s. I don’t think anyone can plan for an influx like that. Our board members and staff are helping, and our community is very supportive; many organizations and individuals have offered to volunteer if it grows that big.”
Those who wish to join in the fun can head down to the Caledonia Legion between 3 to 7:40 p.m. every Thursday, where they are invited to stick around and enjoy a beverage in support of the Legion.
For volunteer opportunities, Gee welcomed the community to send an email to info@cschn.org, and for more information on CSCHN or to make a donation, visit their website at donatecschn.com.
“We are very thankful for the community’s support,” concluded Gee.
