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Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook celebrates raffle winners
Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook is celebrating the winners of the 2025 raffle, and the community members who made it a success.
The first 50/50 draw for the organization was a highlight of the summer. Congratulations to Victoria Wheadon of Cranbrook, who took home $2,497.50 from a jackpot totaling $4,995.00.
Neil Ross of Kimberley is the winner of the 2025 raffle grand prize: a Norco Scene VLT e-bike.
Both winners were stunned by their good luck. Victoria Wheadon spotted the raffle on a friend’s Facebook feed in the final days and quickly bought tickets. Neil Ross wasted no time confirming the news, sending an email almost immediately with the subject line, “I won the bike… really?” His winning ticket came from the Kimberley Farmers’ Market.
“This raffle was about more than prizes, it was about connecting with our community, and offering prizes that would make a difference in the lives of our winners” said Robyn Skare, Fundraising & Communications Coordinator. “Every ticket purchased supports our work in Kimberley and Cranbrook, so it’s especially exciting to have a winner from each community this year.”
Since it began in 2019, the raffle has grown alongside the surge in e-bike popularity. The 2025 raffle was made possible by the support of Bootleg Bike Co., Norco Bicycles, Kimberley and Cranbrook Save On Foods, the Kimberley Farmers’ Market, staff and volunteers who sold tickets, and community members who purchased more than 2,200 tickets between the two raffles.
Inspired by the Kimberley Volunteer Ski Patrol’s annual raffle, the traditional paper ticket and barrel draw shifted this year to a predominantly online format. Using a digital raffle service has streamlined transactions, expanded marketing reach, and provided valuable data to help shape future fundraising efforts.
Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook is now asking the community for feedback to help guide future raffles. A short online survey is open until September 26 to gather input on what type of raffle participants would prefer to see in 2026.
The organization thanks everyone for supporting the raffle and helping to continue building a sustainable, resilient community.
Lead image: 50/50 winner Victoria Wheadon. Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook photos
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