North Delta Rotary’s 50/50 Draw Backs Student Needs

North Delta Rotary’s fall 50/50 draw will expand its Magic Pencil program, funding school supplies and winter clothing for vulnerable local students.

Local Fundraiser Targets Student Essentials

The Rotary Club of North Delta has launched a fall 50/50 raffle to support its Magic Pencil program, which funds school supplies and will now cover winter clothing for students in need. The initiative responds to growing local demand, particularly among families struggling with both education costs and basic necessities.

Program Origins and School Partnership

Introduced in 2023 in collaboration with the Delta School District, the Magic Pencil program provides annual funds to each elementary and secondary school in North Delta. Teachers use these funds to purchase school supplies directly for students whose families cannot afford them. Last year’s pilot was widely praised by educators for easing financial pressure on classrooms.

Identified Need Across the Community

School district estimates place supply costs at about $100 for elementary and $150 for secondary students. Nearly 600 children in North Delta’s 14 public elementary schools are food insecure, making it likely they also struggle to afford supplies and warm winter gear. Early Development Instrument data shows 28.4% of Delta kindergarten students are vulnerable in at least one development area, with North Delta East recording the highest rates in the city.

Rotary’s Expanded Goal for 2025

The club’s objective this year is to ensure no child is hindered by a lack of supplies, proper clothing, or adequate nutrition. Funding for the initial launch came from the Delta Community Foundation’s Community Prosperity Fund, with additional grants and donations helping to maintain the program’s estimated $35,000 annual budget.

How the 50/50 Raffle Works

To finance the expansion, Rotary members are selling 50/50 draw tickets at grocery stores, community events, and online. Tickets cost $10 each, four for $20, or 20 for $50. The draw takes place on Thursday, October 16, 2025. As of August 14, the jackpot had reached $9,260, guaranteeing a winner’s prize of at least $4,630.

Why It Matters for Student Success

Studies from Canada, Australia, and California link strong early development scores to better academic performance in Grade 3, especially in language and mathematics. By covering both school supplies and winter essentials, the Magic Pencil program aims to give every North Delta student the foundation needed to thrive in the classroom.