The Boys and Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay has launched a 50-50 draw to help replace the club’s roof.

Executive Director Albert Aiello explains the roof is around 50 years old and will cost over $1-million to replace.

“The need is definitely there to change the roof on this building,” he says, adding it has had only “minor” work since it was built in 1971.

Tickets have been on sale for two weeks, which has brought in around $10,000 toward that goal.

Sales for the first draw will close on August 29th, and the draw will take place on September 6th. The second and final draw will happen on December 30th, and Aiello hopes the club can raise most of their goal.

The roof, along with other fundraisers we have, are very important to us. We haven’t been able to really fundraise for the last year and a half,” he explains.

Aiello says it will also help celebrate the Boys and Girls Clubs of Thunder Bay’s 50 years in service.

The club has been in its Windsor Street building since 2008.

“We’re very proud of this milestone,” Aiello says. “It’s very safe to say that, within that 50 years, thousands have benefited from the Boys and Girls Club experience.”

Aiello has served with the club for 32 years.

“I’m on my second generation of children and youth coming to the Boys and Girls Club, and that’s really rewarding and really motivates myself and my staff to come to work every day.”