Headline News
Bancroft man findsbriefcase full of dreams
November 5, 2026
by Michael Riley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
It’s not often one finds a briefcase worth $40,000, but that’s just what Cody Purtell did.
The owner of Bancroft Boxing and Grappling entered a competition called the international Dr. Squatch and IShowSpeed Million Dollar Run competition. This international promotion has captured attention through social media and the involvement of world-famous content creator IShowSpeed.
“I believe my find may be the only Canadian briefcase discovery in the competition, which would make this an especially exciting story for Canada,” Purtell says.
But the story doesn’t end with finding
the briefcase.
“I want to use this opportunity to give back to the community that has supported me. I operate Bancroft Boxing and Grappling, where we help local children, teenagers, women, and adults develop confidence, discipline, fitness, and martial arts skills.
He says his plan is to invest prize proceeds into improving the gym, upgrading equipment, expanding opportunities for local athletes, and building something that can make the community proud.
“Coming from a small town like Bancroft, being involved in an international competition of this scale is an incredible opportunity. I would love to see our community recognized beyond Ontario and across Canada.”