Each member of the group will receive about $14,500. (ID 12873408 © Mauro77photo | Dreamstime.com)

By Derek Cornet

luck of the draw

Group of 16 claims $216K Stanley Mission Chase the Ace prize

Feb 4, 2025 | 2:04 PM

A group of 16 people are the winners of the Stanley Mission Chase the Ace prize of $216,000.

The top prize was claimed on Feb. 2 with the Ace of Spades being picked with only two cards remaining. Those in the group who were comfortable with having their names published include Bruce McKenzie, Marge McKenzie, Grace McKenzie-Charles, Connie McLeod, Marlene Keighley, Irene Keighley, Veronica McCallum, and Valerie Skarrup.

Each member of the group, which went by the name McKenzie 27, will receive about $14,500.

In a statement sent to larongeNOW, it was noted the name McKenzie 27 originated through a group chat and it carries a deep, personal meaning for the McKenzie family, rooted in both a legacy of cherished memories and a powerful story of healing after loss.

“The name McKenzie 27 stands as a tribute to both the memories of Annie and Isaac, and the family’s strength in coming together in the face of loss,” the statement reads.

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“It symbolizes the resilience, love, and luck that binds them, as well as the enduring legacy of a family that has always found ways to support each other through the highs and lows of life.“

It adds the McKenzie family’s late parents, Annie and Isaac, spent much of their lives at a cabin situated at Marker 27 on Lac La Ronge. This cabin, set against the backdrop of the breathtaking lake, was the site of countless family memories, laughter, and bonding over the years. It became a symbol of unity and love, representing the family’s foundation and shared history.

The name also carries a sense of fortune and serendipity. In a beautiful twist of fate, the family decided to pool their resources for a game of Chase the Ace. Each member of the group contributed $60 for the fundraiser.

Stanley Mission emergency funds coordinator Randy McKenzie was the one who organized the fundraiser and he said it likely brought in more than $200,000 to benefit community members. He explained the funds would go to residents who need assistance during medical emergencies and other similar causes.

McKenzie added it was nice to see the top prize go to local winners as people from across the province were playing. He was also surprised to see the fundraiser become so successful as he had held previous Chase the Ace draws, but they didn’t last anywhere as long.

The Chase the Ace fundraiser lasted about one year with a draw every Friday.

“I will be starting up another Chase the Ace probably in a few weeks here,” he said. “I’m taking a little break now. It was stressful the latest few draws. It was a lot of work.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia