Alina Talkachova had a winning strategy when it came to the Vernon Morning Star’s Valley Vonka and the Hot Chocolates Factory contest.
There are five places to buy the chocolate bars for a chance to find a golden ticket and win one of five prizes valued from $580 to $1,500: The Morning Star office, Canadian Tire, Vernon Nissan, FreshCo and Printech.
Rather than buying chocolate bars from just one location, Talkachova went to all five and bought bars from each.
The strategy paid off: Talkachova and her husband, Raman Talkachou, found the third golden ticket of the contest.
“We had a fun night a couple of days ago unwrapping all of them,” Talkachova said.
The couple is from Belarus and moved to Vernon two and a half years ago. They have a baby on the way, and Talkachova said it was nice taking part in a contest that supports kids, as proceeds from sales of the chocolate bars made by Cotton’s Chocolates go to Jumpstart, a community organization that helps kids overcome financial and accessibility barriers to sport and recreation in support of inclusive play for kids of all abilities.
There is still one golden ticket out there, and because not all of them have been found yet, the contest’s May 17 deadline has been extended.
For a minimum $5 donation, people get a chocolate bar and a chance to win one of the following five prizes:
• $1,500 Vernon Towne Theatre movie package
• $1,500 Spallumcheen Golf & Country Club passes
• $1,500 World Health or Ladies World gym membership
• $1,500 Fresh Co gift certificate
• Canadian Tire patio egg swing chair ($580 value)
The five people who find a golden ticket will be required to participate in a contest-ending event at the Towne Theatre at a June date TBD.
All golden tickets must be brought to The Morning Star office (4407 25th Ave.) for verification.
READ MORE: Unclaimed golden ticket extends Vernon Valley Vonka contest