A Trenton resident has won a brand-new Mustang convertible, and more than $300,000 has been raised for cancer care in the Quinte region.
“This community continues to amaze us,” said Steven Cook, executive director of the Belleville General Hospital Foundation, while celebrating another record-breaking edition of the “Car4Cancer” lotto fundraiser, which is seeing “unprecedented” growth.
Just before the end of September, the foundation announced a major milestone with the fundraiser completely selling out – a first in its three-year history and five days ahead of the grand-prize draw.
Over the span of 65 days, more than 19,000 tickets were purchased, translating to more than $303,000 raised to support life-saving cancer care in the Quinte region, announced officials.
The grand-prize winner – Trenton’s Randy Whaley – was announced at Lange and Fetter Ford in Trenton. Whaley is walking away with the keys to a brand-new Mustang GT Premium Convertible as part of the fundraiser. Meanwhile, Mary Boisvenue, of Millgrove, Ont., has won the 50/50 draw and is taking home more than $33,000 in cash.
If you missed out on the latest lotto, don’t fret – a new one is coming.
Cook said the launch of the next draw is set for early October, where for the first time, the grand-prize winner will have a choice of driving away in a brand-new Ford F-150 Lariat or taking home $90,000 in cash.
“Who wouldn’t want that kind of prize, especially with the draw happening just in time for Christmas,” added Cook.
With one-in-two Canadians now impacted by cancer in their lifetime, the need for local care is growing, according to hospital foundation staff. These lotteries are helping to meet demand through funding for critical programs and equipment and ensuring care close to home, added staff.
“When you play, you’re helping to solve a real problem,” said Wayne Sheppard, chair of the BGH Foundation board of directors. “Cancer care is one of Ontario’s greatest healthcare pressures – your ticket helps us give patients hope and the resources they need to keep fighting.”
The hospital foundation has been pushing to raise $1 million this year through lottery sales, which would also mark a first in the foundation’s history.
“The Dr. Douglas A. Macintosh Oncology Clinic serves cancer patients from across the Quinte region. It’s inspiring to see the Trenton community step up again to support care close to home, and we’re proud to be part of this effort,” said Lange and Fetter general manager Russ MacDonald.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
