The Friends of Strathcona County Library in Sherwood Park, Alberta, have launched a 50/50 raffle to raise money for community literacy programs. The draw will take place on March 17, 2026, with half of the money raised going to one winner and the other half supporting local library services.
Proceeds from the raffle are used to fund initiatives that fall outside the library’s regular operating budget. These include the expansion of the library collection and the purchase of Wonderbooks, which are books for children that include a built-in audio player to help them read along.
The money also helps fund Welcome Baby kits for new parents. In 2025, the society distributed 571 of these bags to families across Strathcona County to encourage early learning.
Since the non-profit group was formed in 1993, it has raised more than $600,000 for the community. These funds are collected through various events to ensure residents have access to extra resources and specialized services at the library.