Mark Jones, CEO for the CACAC (right) presents a cheque for the winnings of the organization's first-ever 50/50 cash lottery to Serena and Jeff Rohrer of Blackfalds on Mar. 17. (Supplied)

By Sheldon Spackman

Supporting Victims Of Abuse

Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre celebrates successful 50/50 cash lottery

Mar 17, 2020 | 2:20 PM

Officials with the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre (CACAC) have announced the winner of their inaugural 50/50 Cash Lottery.

Serena Rohrer of Blackfalds had her ticket drawn Tuesday morning out of 140,082 ballots, and now takes home $124,272.50.

The rest of the proceeds raised of course, go to the CACAC, a non-profit organization that supports children, youth and families in central Alberta affected by abuse.

“Every time I buy tickets to this I always think that it doesn’t even matter if I win the lottery,” exclaimed Rohrer, in a release. “I would donate to the CAC any day, any time – this organization means a lot to me”

Mark Jones, CEO for the CACAC says he’s pleased with the support shown for the lottery and what impact it’s going to have, noting over 5,500 packages sold.

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“We’re absolutely thrilled with this being our first 50/50 cash lottery,” admits Jones. “We really didn’t know when we started what it would look like because we’ve never done it before. Of course your goal is to make money, any endeavor you do you want to make money, but as much as that, it’s about getting awareness out in the community of central Alberta about what we do.”

Jones points out the lottery which was launched Dec. 20, brought out many of their loyal supporters, but also brought in new ones as well.

“What we’re trying to do with this is continue to create programs around our children and their families, and then to get it out into school organizations and in the social work community and nursing world to work with people about identifying the signs of abuse and identifying what to do if they suspect abuse,” says Jones. “Just all kinds of awareness programs for all of our front line people.”

According to the CACAC website, the organization has supported 884 children and youth throughout central Alberta in its first two years of operation.

Additionally, 76 communities have been served, 630 forensic interviews conducted, and 64 per cent of children seen by the CACAC presenting mental health concerns.

Also, 96 per cent of children served by the organization know their offender.

“This initiative truly will change and save lives,” adds Jones. “Thank you to all of our sponsor partners for helping us make this lottery a success, and to our committee for putting in countless hours. We look forward to our next initiative and hope that you continue with us on our journey to change the way Central Alberta responds to child abuse.”

For more information, visit centralalbertacac.ca.