The ROC Eastman 50/50 For Kids grand prize draw of $50,765.00 was made Monday morning. Winning ticket number 7074 belonging to Renee Boily was drawn at 8:30 am.

Boily, who was in shock as she answered the phone call letting her know she won $25,382.50, says she purchased her winning ticket at Oakridge Garden Centre in Steinbach. When asked, what are you going to do with $25,000, Boily said, "Oh my goodness, I think I'm going to pass out, I can't believe this. I think I'll go on a trip, or save up for a car."

ROC Eastman Executive Director Moni Loewen, says the money raised is split 50/50 with the holder of the winning ticket. Loewen says $25,000 will help 71 children get involved in recreation. When you break it down, she says an average of $350 is spent per child each year for registration, transportation, and equipment. 

Loewen adds, last year five excited and passionate new staff members were hired, who are looking forward to being able to connect local kids with activities they can be excited about. "I think one of the tricky parts, especially with kids who haven't had the opportunity to pick an activity before, is figuring out what it is that would make them feel great. We are with them every step of the way, saying it's okay, there's no benefit to recreation if you hate it."

Loewen notes, the last three weeks have been an amazing journey discovering memories of people's childhoods and what they loved. "Lots and lots of people have memories of not being able to do what they wished they could. We realize how it strikes a chord with people, the work we are doing with kids that really have no opportunities to do the things they wished they could."