2026-09-03

MONCTON (N.B.) – Atlantic Lottery celebrated their 50th Anniversary at an event in Moncton, N.B. today, announcing $200,000 in donations to local charitable organizations.

“Atlantic Lottery was founded 50 years ago to benefit the people and places of Atlantic Canada,” said President and CEO Dallas McCready. “A lot has changed since 1976, but our commitment to this region remains as strong as ever.”

To mark the milestone anniversary, the organization launched their Community Game Changers program earlier this year. The program sought nominations recognizing individuals from across Atlantic Canada that are making a meaningful, positive impact in their local communities.

One Community Game Changer was named in each Atlantic province and got to direct $25,000 to the charity of their choice. The Community Game Changers by province are:

· New Brunswick: Ketan Raval

Raval directed $25,000 to Feed N.B. to support the Moncton Cares food bank which serves hundreds of local households monthly.

· Newfoundland and Labrador: Linda Ryan

Ryan directed $25,000 to the Canadian Cancer Society to support Daffodil Place, the society’s provincial lodge to serve as a home away from home for those impacted by cancer.

· Nova Scotia: Ashley Swan

Swan directed $25,0000 to Maggie’s Place, an important partner in the community build-up project that supports advocacy for the Portapique community and strengthens children, families, and communities throughout the Cobequid Shore, North Shore and greater Colchester and Cumberland Counties.

· Prince Edward Island: Derek Tweel

Tweel directed the $25,000 donation to Junior Achievement P.E.I., an organization that inspires the next generation to realize their potential and make a positive impact in their communities, delivering hands-on, immersive, and digital learning experiences to youth to prepare them for financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.

“We could think of no better way to commemorate this milestone anniversary than by celebrating with those that share our commitment to making a meaningful impact where it matters most,” McCready said. “We’re very proud to recognize our Community Game Changers and support the charities that they dedicate so much of their time and care to.”

The company is further giving back with their anniversary-themed Scratch’N Win game, Celebrate & Share. The $2 game offers 10 top prizes of $50,000 plus an additional $10,000 for the winner’s charity of choice, resulting in another $100,000 investment in local charities.

Atlantic Lottery is publicly owned by the four Atlantic provinces and returns 100 per cent of its profit to the four provincial governments. Founded in 1976, Atlantic Lottery has since returned more than $13.4 billion in total profit to the region, awarded $13 billion in prizes to players and paid $4.6 billion in retailer commissions representing a $31-billion impact over the past 50 years.

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Media Contact:
Lindsay Meekins
Atlantic Lottery Public Relations Strategist
506.431.6466
lindsay.meekins@alc.ca

Backgrounder: Atlantic Lottery’s Community Game Changers Program

· To celebrate 50 years of giving back to local communities, Atlantic Lottery created the Community Game Changers program to recognize and celebrate Atlantic Canadians that share the organizations commitment to the region.

· From May 1-June 15, 2026, the organization welcomed nominations for individuals making meaningful, positive impact in their community.

· Nominations were evaluated by a panel of Atlantic Lottery employee volunteers.

· Each Community Game Changer selected a registered charity to receive a $25,000 donation and will also receive two VIP passes for an Atlantic Lottery sponsored event in 2027.

Backgrounder: Atlantic Lottery’s Community Game Changers

New Brunswick: Ketan Raval

Ketan is the founder and Executive Director of Moncton Cares, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering refugees and newcomers as they embark on their journey towards a brighter future in Canada. Having served as both President and Vice President of the Indo-Canada Association of Moncton and as a dedicated volunteer with numerous other community organizations that support newcomers, refugees, racialized communities, low-income families, youth, seniors, and underrepresented residents in Greater Moncton, Ketan has received numerous awards for his incredible dedication to giving back. Ketan has directed the $25,000 donation to Feed NB to directly support the Moncton Cares food bank, which serves hundreds of local households each month.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Linda Ryan

Linda is a breast cancer survivor of 16 years and a veteran volunteer fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society, who strives to make cancer research, life-saving treatments, and life-changing community programs more accessible. During treatment recovery on her own cancer journey, she established Pink Days In Bloom, a popular third-party awareness and fundraising entity in support of Daffodil Place, the Society's lodge in Newfoundland and Labrador. Daffodil Place serves as a home away from home for those impacted by cancer, providing not only affordable accommodation, but daily meals and snacks, transportation between appointments, entertainment, and emotional and practical on-site support for those impacted by cancer. Linda has directed the $25,000 donation to the Canadian Cancer Society to directly support Daffodil Place.

Nova Scotia: Ashley Swan

Ashley is a volunteer leader, advocate, and changemaker who has spent years strengthening rural communities in Nova Scotia through community development, food security, mental health promotion, volunteer engagement, and inclusive opportunities. She is connected to many organizations serving the region, including Portapique Market, created to address gaps in services and supports along the Cobequid Shore, and North Shore Community Connections, which works to strengthen connections and respond to unmet needs in local communities. Following the 2020 tragedy in Portapique, N.S., she helped rebuild community connections and advocated for completion of the new Portapique Community Centre. Ashley has directed the $25,000 donation to Maggie’s Place, an important partner in the community build-up project that continues to support her advocacy for the Portapique community and strengthens children, families, and communities throughout the area.

Prince Edward Island: Derek Tweel

Derek is a life-long Islander with a deep commitment to giving back through volunteerism with organizations focused on the well-being and success of children and families. He dedicates countless hours to Junior Achievement PEI, Ronald McDonald House, the Gold Cup Parade and Rotary, as well as coaching local soccer teams and beyond. Inspired by his parents, with a belief that volunteerism is the most rewarding thing a person can commit their time to, Derek has been active in his community for more than 40 years. Derek is directing the $25,000 donation to Junior Achievement P.E.I. which strives to inspire the next generation to realize their potential and make a positive impact in their communities, delivering hands-on, immersive, and digital learning experiences to youth to prepare them for financial literacy, entrepreneurship and work readiness.