YMCA in Cape Breton sees lower ticket sales for Y Lotto fundraiser

With only a week left in an annual campaign, the YMCA of Cape Breton says its main fundraiser needs a boost from the community.

Ticket sales in its annual "Y Lotto" are way down.

The organization'sCEO, Andre Gallant,speculates the sluggish economy and competition from other communityfundraisersmay account for lower-than-usual ticket sales.

For more than 20 years the YMCA has been using the proceeds from the lotteryfor what's known as the "opportunity fund."

Gallantsays it gives more people a chance to use the facility.

"The opportunity fund exists to provide financial support for families who otherwise can't afford child care, swimming lessons, daycamp, memberships at the Y," he said. "It's critical for us."

Y Lotto coordinatorDebbie MacLeodsays the $99ticket is good value because the odds of winning are one in eight. There are 495 draws and a $100,000 grand prize.

"It's a pretty good prize package," she said. "We feel it's the best we've had in 22 years."

Gallant says the goal is to raise $80,000, after expenses are deducted, from this year's ticket sales.The lottery closesNovember 6.