For Rimbey resident Donna Regnier, shopping at home has paid off in a big way.
Regnier, who participated in Rimbey and District Chamber of Commerce’s passport contest, won $500 in Rimbey Bucks in a draw made Dec. 21.
“I was so excited and so surprised,” said Regnier. “I never win anything so it truly was a huge surprise.”
Regnier said winning the draw before Christmas was “good timing” and she was able to use up the Rimbey Bucks within a couple of days.
Her family shops mostly in Rimbey anyway, but the win was added incentive to buy locally.
Chamber president Jackie Stratton said the passport contest went over well.
“It was very popular. People were very receptive to it.”
Carrie Vaartstra , assistant administrator for the chamber, said 1,000 passports were printed and 550 returned. To have a passport stamped, $10 worth of merchandise needed to be purchased from participating businesses.
“We had a tremendous response, both from the participating businesses and the shoppers,” said Vaartstra.
The winners of the $300 and $250 prizes of Rimbey Bucks were Marilyn Lutwick, and Beanna Browne, both from the Bentley area.