The order of the Knights of Columbus started with humble beginnings in St. Mary’s Church in New Haven Conn. in 1882, when it was founded by a parish priest Father Michael J McGivney. A century later, the Airdrie Knights of Columbus received its charter in 1982. Since then, the council has grown to approximately 212 members.
In the last 38 years, the council has been actively involved in supporting many charities in the Airdrie area. Some of the many charities we support include Habitat for Humanity, the Airdrie Food Bank, the Veterans Food Bank, the Airdrie and District Hospice Society, various local schools, the Springbank Airshow, Special Olympics Airdrie and more.
The council members conduct many programs throughout each fraternal year such as Coats for Kids, Food Drive 40 Cans for Lent project, Kids Basketball Free Throw in local schools, special barbecues for schools, and we run a phenomenally successful gift card program. With the work we do, the council relies on the support of the community and St. Paul’s parishioners.
Four years ago, the Airdrie Knights of Columbus started the Airdrie Dream Vacation lottery to raise funds to support the many charities within the church and community. Since then, we have returned more than $60,000 to charities and hope to continue doing so, as it is a major fundraiser for us. We appreciate support from Save on Foods, the Airdrie City View newspaper and Carlson Wagonlit Travel for their participation in this fundraiser.
There are only 600 tickets printed, and the first monthly draw will be held April 4. Each month for one year, we will give away a dream vacation voucher valued at $2,500, plus four draws for $120 in cash. There is no expiry date on the vacation voucher if chosen, meaning it can be used post-pandemic.
This year, we have seven early-bird prizes that will be drawn on Feb. 14. There are a total of 67 prizes in all – meaning there is a one-in-10 chance of winning – and all winning tickets each month are returned to the drum for future draws.
We have more than $38,000 worth of prizes to give away. You can choose to take the dream vacation valued at $2,500 or 80 per cent of the cash value. This year, there is an emphasis on "stay-cations" to explore our own beautiful country.
Visit us at airdriedreamvacation.ca to check our special promotion while supplies last or to purchase a ticket online. Tickets are also available before each weekend mass at St. Paul's Church. If you have questions, contact us at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook by visiting facebook.com/AirdrieDreamVacation
– Submitted by Airdrie Knights of Columbus
