The Kamloops Firefighters Charitable Society has launched an online 50/50 raffle this summer, aiming to support various community organizations through the sale of 3,240 tickets. The Summer Sizzle 2025 50/50 raffle is now live and will run until 12 p.m. on September 1. The winning jackpot could reach up to $10,000, with the total pot capped at $20,000.
The online raffle provides a way for residents to support local causes while also having a chance to win. According to firefighter Nick Dalcanale, this summer raffle is a new effort to raise money during a time when in-person events can be hard to plan. Many families go on vacation, and community attendance at events often drops during the warmer months.
“This seemed like a simple way to keep fundraising going without needing people to gather,” Dalcanale explained. “It just runs online while people enjoy their summer.”
The funds raised will go to several charities, including the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation, the BC Burn Fund, and Muscular Dystrophy Canada. Recently, the society also committed to a five-year sponsorship with the new Ronald McDonald Family Room at Royal Inland Hospital.
Each year, the Kamloops Firefighters Charitable Society works closely with the hospital to provide specific medical equipment. In 2024, they donated infant monitors and cribs to the pediatrics department.
“We like to check what’s needed and provide those items directly,” Dalcanale said. “This is one way we ensure the donations really count.”
The society has a long-standing tradition of giving back. Their mission is to help the Kamloops community not just through emergency services, but by supporting long-term health and wellness efforts. Over the years, they have backed a wide range of causes depending on local needs and requests.
“As people reach out to us, we try to meet their needs,” Dalcanale added. “We review requests and decide how to spread the funds.”
This is the first time the firefighters are holding a digital raffle in summer, and they hope it reaches more people than traditional events. They believe it’s a smart way to raise money while keeping the public safe and engaged during vacation season.
The society is hopeful that the raffle’s convenience will encourage more residents to take part. Tickets are available online until the closing deadline, and half of the total sales will go directly to one lucky winner.
“Our Kamloops Firefighters believe that giving back to our community is not only important, but it is part of our duty,” reads a message on the raffle’s official webpage. “We take pride in serving Kamloops and ensuring that our community thrives.”
All funds not awarded to the winner will go directly into the society’s charitable efforts. That means even those who don’t win can feel good knowing their money helps families, patients, and organizations in need.
Ticket sales are now open, and the Kamloops Firefighters Charitable Society encourages the public to take part in this unique chance to win while giving back.
