Legion 50-50 will fund banner replacement

The much-anticipated sold-out 50-50 draw put on by the Wheatley Legion Branch 324 for the Hometown Heroes banner project took place on Monday, February 19 — Family Day — at Ivan Coulter Park. 

There were about 150 people present all hoping their ticket would be the lucky one that was pulled. That stroke of luck belongs to Adam Howe of Wheatley, who took home the top prize of $10,000.

The real winners were the families of the Wheatley Hometown Heroes who don’t have to open their wallets to fund a restoration of their loved ones’ banners.

Legion spokesman Craig Howe addressed those in attendance with an emotional thank-you to all who bought tickets, all who sold tickets, and all the retail outlets who allowed tickets to be sold at their places of business.

“We can proudly announce that the $10,000 raised through this draw will pay for every banner to be replaced,” he said. “That’s a testament to what a great community this is.”

Howe said that Wheatley resident Pat Coggans has taken on the task of re-printing the vinyl banners. The work on those banners will begin in the coming weeks.

Free hotdogs, pop, hot chocolate and coffee were available for anyone who braved the chilly afternoon to come out for the draw. 

Legion president Dick Whittle had the honour of pulling the ticket from the cage which turned out to be Adam Howe’s ticket.

After some time, the winner made his way to the park for a quick handshake and acceptance of the big cheque.