Skip to content

Big Wish lottery celebrates 25 years, proceeds going to new mammography unit

The long-standing community fundraiser has rebranded to Big Wish for Breast Health
20200526-Group Health Centre summer stock-DT-03
the lottery will feature 25 early bird draws of $100 gift cards from participating community partners. Darren Taylor/SooToday

This year the Big Wish Lottery is marking a significant milestone.

The Group Health Centre (GHC) Trust Fund’s long-standing community fundraiser, Big Wish, is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an exciting prize package of over $80,000.

Rebranded as Big Wish for Breast Health, this year’s lottery proceeds will go towards a new mammography unit for GHC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department.

The Big Wish for Breast Health draw will take place on Feb. 5, 2025, with a prize lineup that includes a grand prize of $50,000 cash, followed by a $25,000 cash prize, and a $5,000-value prize that includes $2,500 cash and $2,500 in local partner gift cards. The winner will choose gift cards from any participating partner(s) in any denomination.

Highlighting the 25th anniversary, the lottery will feature 25 early bird draws of $100 gift cards from participating community partners. 13 Early Bird draws will take place on Dec. 27, and all tickets purchased by Dec. 27 at 3:59 p.m. will be eligible for all 25 early birds as well as the three grand prizes.

The remaining 12 early bird draws will take place on Jan. 17, and tickets purchased after Dec. 27 will be eligible to win the remaining 12 early birds as well as the three grand prizes.

“Reaching this milestone of 25 years is a testament to the incredible support from our community,” said Tricia Lesnick, Trust Fund manager.

“It’s critical to continue to raise awareness of the growing need for this vital medical equipment.” 

The GHC Trust Fund is committed to supporting local healthcare with funds raised from its annual Big Wish Lottery. This year, the focus is on replacing the current mammography unit that is part of the Ontario Breast Screening Program.

“Ensuring our facility has the most up-to-date medical equipment is key to excellent patient care,” said Lil Silvano, president and CEO of GHC.

“Upgrading our equipment not only improves what we can do but also helps us attract prospective physicians and nurse practitioners to our community to help address the shortage in primary care providers.”

Tickets are available for purchase at one for $25, two for $45, or four for $75. You can buy them online now at healthcentrelottery.ca, in person at select locations (follow us on social media for pop-up locations), at the reception desk at 240 McNabb St., or over the phone by calling the Trust Fund at (705) 759-5530. Tickets will also be available at the Station Mall from Dec. 16 to 23.

In-person purchases can be made using debit or credit cards. (no cash payments). Want to share the excitement and still get in on the package deals? Ask our volunteers about gifting a Big Wish ticket!

Join us in celebrating a quarter-century of community support and making Big Wishes come true. Get your tickets today and make a difference in our local healthcare system.

Visit healthcentrelottery.ca to purchase your tickets.

(Licence No. RAF1431937)



Discussion