Split the Pot Lottery supporting hospitals locally and provincially

A major fundraiser is underway to benefit hospitals across the province, including here in Waterloo Region.

The Split the Pot Lottery is a chance to provide much-needed cash for hospitals to purchase equipment while also stuffing the pockets of lucky winners.

As the name states, Split the Pot works by dividing proceeds between the facilities and the winners — a best-of-both-worlds scenario.

There are 68 hospitals across the province participating. Each will receive a portion of the proceeds.

Vickie Murray, Executive Project Director, Transition Manages Office for Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s General Hospital told 570 NewsRadio this fundraiser is crucial for the work the hospitals do.

“This money is earmarked specifically for equipment that we need to run our day-to-day operations. We get funding from the government to support our daily operations but we don’t get any funding for equipment. That is 100 per cent on the hospital.”

Based on past lotteries, Murray says the winners could be looking at a serious chunk of cash.

“We’re expecting our November 27th lottery is going to be $ 1.2 million. That will be split between thirteen lucky winners, so we’re very excited about that. There’s also going to be early bird prizes of up to $5,000 so there’s many chances to win.”

Lisa Evans from Kitchener won the jackpot back in September, taking home nearly $700,000. She said supporting local hospitals is just the right thing to do.

“I think we live in a really vibrant community and there’s some wealth out there. I think it super important for those people, or anyone who can to help out. Because we all need a hospital. We all need health care. We have family members that don’t need health care now, but could need it in the future.”

Tickets are on-sale until Nov. 27 with the winner announced on Nov. 29.