North Delta Rotary’s fall 50/50 raffle will expand its Magic Pencil program, providing school supplies and winter clothing to students in need.
Local Raffle Expands Support for Students in Need
The Rotary Club of North Delta has launched its fall 50/50 raffle to raise funds for the Magic Pencil program, an initiative that supplies essential school materials to local students. This year, the program will also cover warm winter clothing for children in need, addressing both educational and seasonal challenges faced by vulnerable families.
Program Founded Through School Partnership
Launched in 2023 in collaboration with the Delta School District, the Magic Pencil program provides annual funding to every elementary and secondary school in North Delta. Teachers use the funds to purchase school supplies for students whose families are unable to afford them. The program’s pilot year earned strong praise from educators for reducing the financial strain on classrooms.
Growing Needs in the Community
According to district estimates, school supplies cost about $100 for elementary students and $150 for those in secondary school. Nearly 600 children in North Delta’s 14 public elementary schools are food insecure, suggesting many also lack access to supplies and adequate clothing. Data from the Early Development Instrument shows 28.4% of Delta kindergarten students are vulnerable in at least one developmental area, with North Delta East reporting the highest rates in the city.
Rotary’s Expanded Vision for 2025
The Rotary Club’s goal this year is to ensure no child’s education is compromised by the absence of supplies, proper clothing, or nutritious food. The program’s initial funding came from the Delta Community Foundation’s Community Prosperity Fund, supplemented by grants and community donations to sustain its $35,000 annual budget.
How the 50/50 Draw Works
To fund the program’s expansion, Rotary members are selling raffle tickets at local grocery stores, community events, and online. Tickets are priced at $10 each, four for $20, or 20 for $50. The draw will take place on Thursday, October 16, 2025. As of August 14, the jackpot had reached $9,260, guaranteeing the winner at least $4,630.
Impact on Student Success
Research from Canada, Australia, and California has found that strong early development scores are linked to higher academic achievement in Grade 3, especially in literacy and math. By covering both school supplies and winter clothing, the Magic Pencil program aims to give North Delta students the tools they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
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