Time is running out to purchase your tickets for the ROC Eastman 50/50 raffle.

ROC specializes in providing Recreational Opportunities to Children who would otherwise be unable to afford them. As Development Coordinator Chelsey Neufeld explains, the list of families wanting to participate in their programming is far longer than they can handle and still growing. She notes the wait time for some hopeful families could be up to a year.

“We know that life can change so much in a short period of time,” says Neufeld, “and often, when there is a need, it is needed right now. What we are going to do with our portion of this 50/50 is try to eliminate that waitlist so that when we meet a new family or get a referral we can get them plugged in immediately.”

The La Broquerie Rona which one of many businesses sponsoring the fundraiser. Owner Farrel Rempel says, while there are a great many charitable resources in the Steinbach region, ROC is one of his favorites.

“You see what the outcome is and it is great,” he states, simply.

Reflecting on his time as a kid, Rempel acknowledges that the ability to play is important.

“I was fortunate throughout my childhood to be able to do whatever I wanted to do, as long as we listened to mom and dad,” he recollects, “but there are a lot of people out there who are not that fortunate and ROC can help them out.”

At this point, ROC has raised roughly $80,000 of their $100,000 goal. Neufeld is pleased with the support that has followed them through the 50/50 campaign and is optimistic it will continue. She urges residents to make one last generous push to help them reach that grand total.

The ROC Eastman 50/50 raffle began on October 17 and will conclude this coming Friday. For those who still wish to contribute, tickets can be purchased at Shell Supersplash, Country Meat and Deli 1st Choice Convenience, Grunthal Lumber, and La Broquerie Lumber Rona as well as the recreation offices in Niverville, Lac Du Bonnet, and Pinawa.