Q1 Fundraising: Tories blow past rivals

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ABOVE THE FOLD

Q1 FUNDRAISING — The PC money-making machine leads the pack.

According to the real-time disclosures posted to Elections Ontario, the ruling Ford Tories have raked in $3,179,20 in the first quarter of the year, which wrapped up yesterday. The average donation to the PCs — which tend to pull in lucrative contributions — was $1,135, from about 2,802 donors.

The party is blasting email appeals to supporters ahead of the deadline. From fundraiser-in-chief TONY MIELE: “These resources are needed for us to campaign across every riding in the province…That’s why it’s crucial we raise $3,700 before midnight. We’re calling on 37 supporters to step up and chip in right now.”

In second place: the Liberals, with $305,440 earned so far this year, at an average donation of $416 from 735 contributors.

The Official Opposition NDP isn’t far behind, pulling in $218,424 for party coffers, at an average donation of $235 from 927 donors.

— Caveat: The NDP like to boast that they’re the party…