**NEWS RELEASE**

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Representatives from the City of Timmins and the United Way North East Ontario met yesterday to sign the official Memorandum of Understanding for the upcoming Stars and Thunder 50/50 draws.
The United Way will be leading the charge on the 50/50 draws, while providing a high-tech element, on par with global sporting, entertainment and other high-profile events that use an electronic format of purchasing tickets. One of the advantages to this high-profile technology-based format is that there will be no limit to the daily pot of winnings, and selected non-profits and charities will see big benefits.
The United Way North East Ontario has both the experience and structure to support such an initiative through its transparent practices of raising local dollars for local needs through innovative events. The non-profits and charities will be the real winners, and the format will ignite the city’s volunteer infrastructure.
The United Way will develop a screening process and a Stars and Thunder application process open to charities or qualifying non-profits in the Timmins area in accordance with its three focus areas: helping kids be all they can be; building strong communities, or moving people from poverty to possibility. Agencies that have charitable status may apply for program funding. Qualifying non-profits that do not have charitable status must partner with a local charity that will administer funding dollars.
There is no limit to the number of charities or qualifying non-profits that may apply. Agencies may apply for more than one program is they have a sufficient volunteer base to support the event as per the application.
Due to the collaborative nature of the Stars and Thunder event, agencies may apply for funding based on the commitment to fill a specific number of volunteer shifts (morning, afternoon or evening). Shifts can be four to six hours long and can fall between the hours of 10am to 2am depending upon the volunteer position. The amount of funds distributed to each of the qualifying organizations will be determined by the total funds raised during the event and the number of volunteer shifts completed.
In the coming weeks, public input and education sessions will be provided for the charities and non-profits so that they can fully understand the application and volunteer engagement process.
“We are excited to partner with the many local charities and non-profits in Timmins to further advance the work of building a stronger social service structure while igniting an innovative form of volunteer engagement that will make the Stars and Thunder Festival a true community event,” said Jennifer Gorman, Regional Navigator United Way North East Ontario (Timmins office). “The United Way also considers the 50/50 partnership with the City of Timmins to be a true testament of how such an event will succeed for years to come.”