Several local charities are benefitting from the very successful Sarnia Legion's Catch the Ace campaign.
The fundraiser brought in a total of $654,910 over 46 weeks.
Branch 62 President Ron Realesmith said thanks to the popular event and community generosity, $187,000 is being distributed among 10 charities.
"The success of the fundraising campaign really shows that the community supports the Sarnia Legion and our mission which is to serve the community, the act of Remembrance and serving Veterans and their families," said Realesmith. "The money raised goes to those pillars and so, it just means we're going to be here for many more years."
Bluewater Health received $20,000 toward the purchase of 12 new specialized dialysis chairs for patients undergoing treatment.
The Sarnia and District Humane Society will use the $20,000 to support construction of “A Place to Call Home”, a new 18,000 square foot animal care centre.
St. Joseph's Hospice, The Salvation Army, Inn of the Good Shepherd, St. Vincent de Paul, Pathways, Women's Interval Home and Noelle's Gift also each received $20,000 to support ongoing programs and services. Literacy Lambton was given $7,000.
The popular lottery fundraiser is up and running again and this week's jackpot is up to $6,000.
Realesmith said they're also celebrating the success of the Centennial Capital Campaign, which reached its $350,000 fundraising target.
Funds supported some much needed improvements to the aging Front Street Legion.
"The building is starting to show its age, it's coming up on 50-years-old," said Realesmith. "Due to water damage we had to replace about 300 bricks, our pillars at the very front, very iconic looking pillars as you drive up the road, they were starting to chip away and they're becoming a safety concern. So in the next week those will be replaced. We also had to replace our aging HVAC system. It was beyond end-of-life and with an Ontario Trillium Grant of $150,000 we were able to replace our HVAC system this year."
