Lions Club Moves to Refund Cancelled Hilux Raffle

Remedies are now being activated in an effort at damage control for the Belize City Sub Umbra Floreo Lions Club, after the organization took a major black eye over a raffle that never was.  More than five hundred Belizeans have been demanding answers and accountability after a highly publicized truck raffle, promising a brand-new Toyota Hilux, was never drawn, despite participants each paying one hundred dollars for a chance to win.  The raffle, launched back in August as a charitable initiative to support families battling childhood cancer, had its grand draw initially scheduled for December 31. Nearly three months later, however, there is still no winner, leaving the five hundred and thirteen ticket holders frustrated and seeking clarity.  Information to Love News is that the club had requested, and was granted, an extension by the Gaming and Lotteries Commission to March 7, but that deadline has since passed without a draw, and the raffle has now been officially cancelled after the club reportedly failed to meet its ticket sales target.  Police Commissioner, who is a Lions Club member, Dr. Richard Rosado spoke very briefly on the remedy now being pursued.

Love News understands that despite the use of branding from Belize Diesel and Equipment Company Limited in promotional materials, the company says there was no formal agreement in place. Its owner indicates that only a proforma invoice was issued, with no down payment made and no vehicle reserved.  Meanwhile, the Lions Club maintains that there is no substantiated evidence of fraud or financial misappropriation. In a statement, the organization says a full internal review and audit is now underway, and it remains committed to transparency and accountability.