Hundreds of Sarnia-Lambton residents lined up again Thursday for the weekly Catch the Ace draw at the Sarnia Legion Branch 62.
The fundraiser has been going for 33 weeks and the progressive jackpot has grown to an estimated $1.4 million.
Tickets go on sale at noon each Thursday, but residents start lining up as early as 5 a.m. in order to be the first in the door.
Sarnia Legion member and volunteer Chrissy McRoberts said the community support for the fundraiser has been amazing.
"A couple weeks ago when it was raining, people coming dripping wet, didn't bring an umbrella still smiling at us saying thank you for organizing this so well," said McRoberts. "The money is a great thing, but to hear everybody say 'I haven't seen you in forever' or they've just met somebody in line and talked all the way through and made new friends, that's what the Legion is about."
She said it takes a few helpers to make sure the line moves smoothly.
"Currently I believe there's 12 on a good day volunteering to just sell the tickets," she said.
Until the end of the fundraiser, two shuttle buses will go back and forth between Christina Street and the Centennial Park parking lots from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Free parking is also available in nearby city/county lots after 4:30 p.m.
Tickets are $5 each and available at the Front Street Legion until 7:30 p.m. sharp ahead of the draw.
Money raised stays in the community, supporting area charities and community groups.
Last year, the effort raised $2.6 million over 36 weeks.
Sarnia News Today asked residents waiting in line Thursday, some of whom had been there since just after midnight, what they would do with the money if they won the $1.4 million prize.
"I don't know, I got a few bills that would be paid off, a fishing boat maybe," said Steve Partridge.
"Split it with my kids," said Mike Bida.
"Take care of my kids and help them out, that's the goal," said Holly Bridge
Ace Concordia said "we'd probably have some fun, donate a little bit here or there."
"Buy a home to call it my own," said Tammy Lockwood
Cindy Osborne said she would "help my family."
"Buy a good old used Ford pickup truck from the 70s," said Ed Kukura.
- With files from Natalia Vega
