Story by Frank McGwire
Brandon Seniors for Seniors Co‑op Inc. is celebrating a milestone this week as its wildly popular Smack the Jack fundraiser pushes past the $900,000 mark — the largest jackpot since the game launched in 2022. What began as a creative way to support local seniors has grown into one of Westman’s most talked‑about weekly draws, with ticket sales surging as the prize climbs toward seven figures.
The nonprofit organization, which has served Brandon’s 55‑plus community for decades, relies on the fundraiser to support its long‑term vision: new seniors housing and a modern facility to expand its programs. Executive Director Eleysha Klassen says the fundraiser has become a crucial part of that plan.
“We’re looking to build a new building and some seniors housing, so that is where the funds are going,” Klassen said.
Until now, the largest jackpot ever awarded was just over a quarter‑million dollars, claimed last April. This week’s prize has more than tripled that record — and even the consolation prize is turning heads.
“The consolation prize is a portion of the jackpot, and last week’s was just over $48,000,” Klassen added.
How the Game Works
Smack the Jack is a hybrid of a weekly raffle and a chase‑the‑card game. Every ticket purchased is entered into an online draw. Weekly sales open Thursdays at 9 a.m. and close Tuesdays at 11:59 p.m.
On Wednesdays, an online system randomly selects a ticket number. The winner’s name is announced live on WCG-TV at 1 p.m., where they also reveal which envelope the winner chose. Inside one of the remaining envelopes is the Jack of Spades.
If the winner’s envelope contains the Jack, they take home the entire jackpot. If not, they receive the consolation prize and the jackpot rolls over to the next week.
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at SmackTheJack.ca, where players can also find rules, past winners, and game details. For those who prefer to buy in person, tickets are available at:
- Brandon Seniors for Seniors Office (311 Park Ave. East) — Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Richmond Ave Co‑op — Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Coral Centre Safeway — Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Brandon Sobeys South — Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Each draw is capped at one million tickets.
How High Could It Go?
With 12 envelopes still in play, Klassen says the jackpot is growing by roughly $100,000 a week.
“If we go the full 12 weeks, we’ll be over two million,” she said.
For now, the community is watching closely — and buying tickets quickly — as the jackpot inches toward a historic payout, all while supporting a major investment in Brandon’s seniors.
