(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Ian Gustafson

Supporting their work

Lending Cupboard’s wine survivor challenge returns, Giving Tuesday fast approaching

Nov 24, 2025 | 3:44 PM

The Lending Cupboard’s 2025 Wine Survivor Challenge is right around the corner.

From now until Dec. 1, those hoping to compete in the challenge have until then to register a team. The registration fee to enter a team is $20 per person.

The team must be a group of six people, and each member of the team must purchase a bottle of wine that’s at least $20 in value.

The team captain will then bring all of the bottles of wine and the registration fees to the Lending Cupboard in Red Deer by Wednesday, Dec. 2.

The Wine Survivor is a popular fundraising team game where players are gradually eliminated through multiple rounds, with the winner receiving a large prize of wine.

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The first draw is set for Dec. 8, followed by the grand toast on Dec. 12. The registration fee for the challenge will stay with the Lending Cupboard and be used to support what they do.

“The goal is to have one person on your team remaining and then you and your team win, depending on where you are. If you’re the last person drawn, you will win a mountain of wine,” said Lori Shatto, executive director of The Lending Cupboard.

“The $20 registration fee stays with the lending cupboard, and then the wine will go out to other teams. In this case, the first team eliminated, they all receive one bottle of wine.”

How much wine the winning team receives will depend on how many teams are registered by the deadline. So far, there’s been lots of interest.

“We’re receiving a very positive response to it. Of course, those interested still have time before the deadline, and we’re encouraging people to continue to sign up,” Shatto added.

The Wine Survivor Challenge was first put on by The Lending Cupboard in 2018, and continued for a number of years before changing what it looked like. At one point, they transitioned to food and gas gift cards, but have now returned to their roots.

Those hoping to take part can register on their website at lendingcupboard.ca or by calling the office at 403-356-1678.

Participating in Giving Tuesday

In addition, the Lending Cupboard will once again participate in Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2.

Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that celebrates donating to local charities, whether through volunteering or donating.

If community members are able, the Lending Cupboard would love to receive a financial donation.

Donations can be made on their website, by calling, or by visiting the office located at #1-7803 50 Avenue. This year for Giving Tuesday, they have a goal of raising $50,000.

The Lending Cupboard will also host a volunteer open house on Giving Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where the public can stop by and learn about what they are all about.

“Come in and see the impact of where those dollars are going and see the over 16,000 pieces of equipment we have. Come and see the team that helps make sure we get that equipment out into the community,” she said.

With over 90 volunteers and staff, they serve the public by giving out medical equipment for free to those who need it. Items include crutches, wheelchairs, bath lifts, and much more.

“I feel so incredibly grateful that we are in a very generous community,” she added.