The Red Deer Kinsmen Club is celebrating the launch of their annual Dream Home Lottery.
During a special Grand Opening at the new Dream Home at 45 Larratt Close last week, the Kinsmen kicked off the 35th iteration of their biggest annual fundraiser.
“We’re all volunteers. We’re all just guys in our 20s and 30s and some 40s. But for the most part we’re just younger adults that want to make a big difference in the community. Getting to see the winner — it’s always a great moment when you give someone a house. But I think it’s also a great moment when you get to give all these different organizations in Red Deer the money,” said Kinsmen member and Dream Home Chairman Craig Smallwood.
The idea behind the annual home lottery is the money raised stays within the community and supports local charities and causes.
“There’s going to be lots of different ones. Habitat for Humanity’s going to be a big one. The Red Deer Food Bank we feel is a really good one to give to this year. KidSport is a program for all kids to get involved in. And we always keep money leftover to have other groups approach us to try and figure out what the greatest needs are,” said Smallwood.
This year’s dream home, designed by True-Line Homes, features a large open living room upstairs, a games room, a home theatre and a built in beer tap.
“My outlook, my approach and my feeling from the get-go was just modern and earthy with my theme,” said designer Andrea Holt, who works with True-Line Homes. “We just want it to appeal to the majority of people — young and old. It’s a great place for the family to hang out. There’s an entertaining area, the media room for family movies and up here just for entertaining and socializing.”
Smallwood said he’s extremely happy with how the house turned out.
“It’s funny because we’re really proud of it but at the same time it’s just starting. It’s really kind of neat to see the end, finished product but at the same time kind of know that the lottery going forward is just starting.”
Other prizes in this year’s lottery include a new Ford Mustang from Cam Clark Ford, the Loyalty Draw prizes ranging from Red Deer Rebels season tickets to a Collicutt Centre family pass. Also new this year is the Ultimate Jays Experience, which includes a trip for two to Toronto to take in a Toronto Blue Jays game along with a few other cool perks.
Tickets can be purchased at the Dream Home at 45 Larratt Close on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. or online at www.reddeerkinsmen.com.
zcormier@reddeerexpress.com
