New cash lottery helps several northern hospitals

Split the Pot Lottery tour in Sault Ste. Marie Weather specialist Tony Ryma reports live from Sault Area Hospital on the Split the Pot Lottery's benefits to people and patients.

Hospital cash lotteries have become very popular fundraisers across the north and now dozens of Ontario health care facilities are teaming up for a brand new one.

Split the Pot Lottery is being called the largest fundraising partnership among the province's hospitals.

As of Friday Aug. 16, the current estimated jackpot is $2,400,000, which means the estimated payout for the 13 winners is a total of $1.2 million.

The grand prize is split, with one winner taking 60 per cent, two winners splitting 20 per cent and the remaining 20 per cent is split among 10 other winners.

The other half of the ticket sales go toward the 62 participating hospitals.

Purchasers decide where to direct the proceeds, either to be split amongst the whole group or to a facility of their choice.

Organizers said the big winners are the hospitals, patients and health care system as a whole.

CTV News' Tony Ryma has been on location at various northeastern Ontario hospitals that benefit to find out how the money will support our local communities.

Tony has visited, North Bay, Parry Sound, Espanola, Sault Ste. Marie, Timmins, Temiskaming Shores and Blind River.

Check back for the interviews, which will be posted above.