Hope 4 Holden 50/50 Raffle Enters Final Days with Over $7,000 Raised for Rare Disease Research

The 2025 Hope 4 Holden 50/50 Raffle is entering its final stretch with momentum building and the prize pot now exceeding $7,000. Hosted in partnership between the Brandon Wheat Kings Foundation and the Hope 4 Holden Organizing Committee, the raffle supports the Ataxia-Telangiectasia Children’s Project and helps fund research into a rare disease affecting local six-year-old Holden Stewart.

Holden was diagnosed in 2021 with Ataxia-Telangiectasia (A‑T), a degenerative disorder that affects movement, coordination, and immune function. With no cure currently available, fundraising efforts like this raffle are vital to supporting promising research and offering families hope for the future.

“We’ve been blown away by the support from the community,” said Derrick Stewart, Holden’s dad and one of the organizers. “It’s not easy sharing our story, but the response reminds us we’re not in this alone. Every ticket sold fuels real hope — not just for Holden, but for families facing A‑T across North America. There’s also a strong connection between A‑T and cancer research, so the impact of this fundraiser reaches far beyond one rare disease.”

The raffle closes Friday, June 13 at 5:30 PM, and is open to residents of Manitoba aged 18 and older. Tickets can be purchased online at hope4holden5050.com.

The campaign is generously supported by 2025 sponsors:

Crosier Kilgour, Crane Steel, Shanks Golf, West Hawk Marine, Wheat City Electric, Farm House Consultants, Teranet Manitoba, Cando Rail, Light and Me, Brandon Maintenance, Brandon University, and Four Seasons.

To learn more, visit hope4holden.com