08/17/2026
It has been tough keeping this secret, but we can finally share the incredible news!
A massive thank you to Sarnia Legion Branch 62 for their extraordinary $100,000 donation
Sarnia Legion Branch 62 Finally Lets the Cat Out of the Bag!
For months, the Sarnia community has wondered who stepped forward during a critical time of need to help support two of our community's most important organizations.
Today, Sarnia Legion Branch 62 is proud to finally let the cat out of the bag.
Through proceeds generated by the wildly successful Catch the Ace lottery, Sarnia Legion Branch 62 donated $100,000 to The Salvation Army Sarnia Community and Family Services and $100,000 to The Inn of the Good Shepherd - Sarnia, helping ensure both organizations could continue their vital work supporting some of our community's most vulnerable residents.
The donations were made quietly earlier this year after the Legion successfully worked with the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) to pre-release a portion of Catch the Ace proceeds before the lottery had concluded, allowing urgently needed funds to reach the organizations when they needed them most.
"Helping those in need is one of the pillars of what we do as a Legion and part of our commitment to serving the community," said Legion President Ron Realesmith. "It's something we care about deeply, and we recognize the tremendous need that exists in our community right now. When organizations that provide food, shelter, and hope are struggling, we believe it's our responsibility to step up and help."
As discussions unfolded with both organizations, lottery chair Cathy McBride asked a simple but important question: What would a $100,000 donation mean for you?
The answers made the decision an easy one. "We wanted to ensure that both food banks could remain open and continue serving the growing number of families turning to them for help," said McBride. "We asked each organization what $100,000 would do for them. The Inn of the Good Shepherd told us it would ensure their operations could continue through the end of the year. The Salvation Army told us it would provide operational support for more than 16 months. Once we heard that, we knew these donations could make a real and immediate impact."
The donations represent just one part of the Legion's commitment to addressing food insecurity and homelessness in Sarnia-Lambton. Throughout the Catch the Ace campaign, the Legion also organized numerous community food drives that generated thousands of additional dollars in support and collected more than 30,000 pounds of food for local organizations assisting those experiencing food insecurity.
"One of the most rewarding parts of Catch the Ace wasn't just the excitement of the lottery," said McBride. "It was seeing thousands of people come together to support their neighbours. Through food drives, fundraising initiatives, and generous community donations, we've been able to help provide meals and support to countless individuals and families facing difficult circumstances."
President Realesmith says the Legion's commitment to community support is only growing. "The success of Catch the Ace belongs to the entire community," he said. "The people who bought tickets, donated food, volunteered their time, and supported the cause made all of this possible. Together, we've demonstrated what can happen when a community rallies behind those who need help the most."
That commitment was reaffirmed recently when the Sarnia Legion executive met to determine how proceeds from the historic Catch the Ace lottery would be distributed.
"The Legion executive has just met and voted on how approximately $3.4 million in Catch the Ace proceeds will be donated back into our community," said Realesmith. "The decision was overwhelming. More than $500,000 was directed specifically toward food insecurity and shelter initiatives because we know those needs continue to be among the most urgent challenges facing our community."
As the Legion prepares to announce additional community investments in the coming months, officials hope these donations demonstrate the lasting impact that Catch the Ace participants have helped create. "At the end of the day, this is about neighbours helping neighbours," said Realesmith. "We're incredibly proud that Catch the Ace has allowed us to make a meaningful difference in people's lives, and we're excited to continue investing in organizations that strengthen our community for years to come."
For Sarnia Legion Branch 62, supporting veterans, serving the community, and helping those in need remains at the heart of everything we do.
