Faced with sagging ticket sales, officials with the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation’s Hospitals’ Lottery are appealing to the public to throw their support behind the annual fundraiser.
“We are definitely concerned,” explains Alaine Martin, events manager with the Foundation. “We are still hopeful of a sellout but we are going to need significant help to get there.”
Martin believes the slow ticket sales are due to a combination of factors, including a sluggish economy and a trend toward purchasers buying smaller packages and fewer tickets than in previous years.
This year’s lottery features over $1.1 million in prizes, including a spectacular Sorento dream home, luxurious furniture packages and many other prizes.
“There is something for everyone,” said Martin. “And every ticket is a winner because the proceeds support healthcare improvements in Central Alberta.”
2017 funds will support the purchase of innovative patient beds for the hospital. In addition to fitting a larger proportion of the population serviced by the hospital, the new beds help improve the patient’s overall health. Each bed costs approximately $18,000.
“It is truly money well spent,” said Martin. “These new beds increase patient safety and comfort and allow immobile patients to reposition themselves easier – all while reducing the stress on caregivers.
“Selling out the lottery would ensure we can impact as many lives as possible,” Martin added, noting the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre serves a population of over 450,000 people from communities all over Central Alberta. “The Foundation’s role is to fund major equipment purchases at the hospital, which enhances healthcare for anyone coming through our doors. But we can’t do that without the public’s support.”
Tickets for Hospitals’ Lottery 2017 can still be purchased online at www.hospitalslottery.com, by calling 1-877-808-9005, or by visiting the, dream home, located at 105 Larratt Close.
Tickets are $35 each, three for $75, five for $100, or 15 for $250. The final draw will be made July 7th.
– Fawcett
