The Red Cross launching its annual raffle at ScotiaBank in Rawson Square on Friday. Photo: Tim Clarke/Tribune Staff

THE Bahamas Red Cross Society Grand Raffle is an annual tradition that provides much needed funds to assist in meeting the demands for humanitarian services as well as the operational needs of the organisation.

It also offers ticket buyers an array of prizes and this year will be no exception.

The launch of the 2016 Grand Raffle on Friday, in front of Scotiabank, Rawson Square, was graced by Ingrid, Lady Darling, a past President of the Bahamas Red Cross Society, and wife of the former Governor General, the late Sir Clifford Darling. Aopmong the prizes announced were a brand new 2016 Suzuki Swift (Fully Loaded) that comes with one year’s insurance coverage, a Samsung Galaxy Note 5, Gent’s “George Gray” Watch, any inter-island route flown by Bahamasair, a Washer and Dryer and Livingston Series Patio Table and Chairs donated by Western Hardware and Lumber Co.

Given the present challenging economic conditions, the Red Cross says there is a greater need to provide cooked meals daily through services like the Meals-on-Wheels that delivers food to the housebound elderly in New Providence and Freeport. Additionally, programmes like the Society’s School Milk Scheme provides fresh milk to vulnerable children in the Family Islands and the After-School Mentoring Programme which helps children in distressed socio-economic environments.

Pauline Allen-Dean, Chairperson and Past President of the Society, and Beryl Adams, Co-Chairperson and Deputy Treasurer of the Bahamas Red Cross Society, are spearheading this year’s raffle.

“The Bahamas Red Cross Society is grateful for the support of corporate Bahamas and private citizens and invite you to continue your partnership in bringing much needed help to address the needs of at risk and vulnerable members of our community,” said Caroline Turnquest, Director General of the Society.

Scotiabank (Bahamas) Ltd. presented a donation of $25,000 to the Society towards hurricane relief.

Raffle tickets are available from volunteers at a number of businesses in Nassau including Super Value food stores, Quality Supermarkets, Solomon’s Fresh Markets, Kelly’s Home Centre, Solomon’s Super Center, local banks, and from the Raffle Committee Members. Tickets are also available in all of the Family Islands.

Raffle prizes will be drawn at Solomon’s Super Centre, East/West Highway on Saturday, October 1.

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