Pictured above: Poplar River Northern Store Manager Joseph Janveaux (right) awards the Ski-Doo to lucky winner Desmond Batenchuk.

The community of Poplar River First Nation, MB, was treated to an exciting contest to help with some winter fun and transportation: a raffle for a brand new Ski-Doo snowmobile.

At a time when the effects of COVID-19 had been felt by the community, the Poplar River Northern store stepped in to generate some excitement and lift the overall spirits of the community, hosting the raffle in late November.

At the end of the draw, a community Elder drew the name of the lucky winner, from the pile of tickets sold. The winner, Desmond Batenchuk, had purchased only two tickets for the draw. As he walked away with his brand new prize Batenchuk joked that this is the cheapest Ski-Doo he has ever bought.

Joseph Janveaux, Poplar River Northern Store Manager, was thrilled that his store’s draw was able to lift the spirits of residents and bring the community together.

“This draw brought some community excitement in a time where COVID-19 has been impacting our daily lives,” said Janveaux. “It helped keep the candle lit at the end of the tunnel and we already have customers asking what else we are going to draw for next.”