The Lotto Factory’s Weekly Spotlight: BCHL Merritt Centennials
A national leader in youth hockey embarks on an online fundraising journey
The Merritt Centennials are the longest continuously operating franchise in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). For nearly half a century, they have been providing young Junior “A” hockey players with a platform to help them reach the next level in their careers. Operating since 1973, this community-run franchise has succeeded in sending eleven of their players to play for teams in the National Hockey League.
As a community-based franchise, the Merritt Centennials rely heavily on the support provided by season ticket holders, fans, businesses, billets and volunteers to keep all of their operations running smoothly. This hockey team, like many others across the country, was forced to cut their 2020 season short due to the unexpected arrival of the novel coronavirus. This loss of revenue due to game cancellations created many additional challenges for the team especially with the future of the upcoming BCHL hockey season still up in the air. This is where online 50/50s can help.
To overcome some of these hurdles, the Merritt Centennials have teamed up with The Lotto Factory Global to launch an online 50/50 raffle to raise additional funds for their team. The Lotto Factory is a Software as a Service, ‘SaaS’ company based out of Fredericton, New Brunswick, that provides clients with an easy-to-use online fundraising platform for hosting 50/50 raffles. Every week there is a “virtual” draw, which gives a ticket holder the chance to win half of the accumulated jackpot. If a number gets drawn which isn’t actively “in play”, it doesn’t win and the jackpot rolls over to the next week, increasing the overall jackpot size.
The team has experienced a tremendous amount of success using this platform and have raised over $35,000 to date with select jackpots accumulating more than $5,000! Weekly draw amounts are continuing to climb as we move into the summer season and with the dedication and support (at a distance) from their fan community, the Merritt Centennials weekly 50/50 will continue to relieve some of the added pressure of preparing for the upcoming hockey season.
Junior hockey teams are a staple source of entertainment in many cities and towns across this country. They are part of our country’s identity and support young players as they work towards their goals by providing them with an opportunity to play a sport they love. Live hockey games unite families and communities by creating an engaging and exciting atmosphere. The opportunities and sense of community that Junior Hockey teams like the Merritt Centennials provide demonstrates why it is so important to continue to support these organizations through economic and socially trying times. As Canadians, the love of hockey is in our DNA and without the support of dedicated fans, many of these teams would cease to exist. Online fundraising is a fantastic way for these beloved teams to continue to raise funds 365 days a year, so we as Canadians, can continue to enjoy a sport we so dearly love.
