By Jane Delory
The Bay Treasure Chest Association (BTCA) marked its 12th year in April with an expansion of its play boundaries, adding new locations and continuing to grow its investment in local community programs. The community lottery, commonly known as the Bay Treasure Chest, celebrated the anniversary while introducing three new chest locations: Mabel’s Farm Market on Prospect Road, PharmaChoice in Hammonds Plains, and Circle K Irving in Beechville. BTCA says that these changes intend to provide greater choice and convenience for players, allowing residents to decide which locations work best for them.
Established in 2014, the Bay Treasure Chest weekly toonie draw is a 50‑50 lottery created as a fundraising partnership by five local non-profit organizations. Expanding over the years, the partnership now includes 15 organizations, supporting a wide range of community programs and services across the region.
The lottery has grown significantly over the past 12 years. Average weekly jackpots have gone from $1,000 to $12,000, with higher totals during rollover weeks. Proceeds support initiatives related to recreation, environmental stewardship, food security, community facilities, and youth and senior programming.
Through a $600 honorarium program for smaller non-profit and community-led groups within its catchment area, BTCA impacts communities even further. Additionally, the Association administers the Anne Martell Memorial Scholarship, which has awarded more than $300,000 to over 100 local students since 2016. Named in memory of BTCA co‑founder Anne Martell, the scholarship supports graduating students entering post-secondary education from within the Bay Treasure Chest catchment area. As the Association’s boundaries expand, BTCA will be reviewing the scholarship and honorarium programs to ensure they continue to reflect and serve the communities within the updated map.
Players participate by completing a registration form and dropping a toonie at a participating retail location. One draw is held each week, with half of the jackpot awarded to the winner and the remaining funds invested in the community.
BTCA plans to add more chest locations in the future and continues to encourage residents’ weekly participation in support of local organizations.