A Sault Ste. Marie woman has become the first person to win a major provincial hospital lottery prize by purchasing a ticket at a convenience store. Shirley K. is the inaugural convenience store purchaser to win the Split the Pot grand prize, taking home $294,258. She bought the winning ticket at Paquette’s Confectionery on Korah Road in support of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, which serves the Algoma District. A win for the hospital and the winner Split the Pot is a monthly lottery that supports 82 hospital and healthcare foundations across Ontario, raising more than $17 million since it began. The initiative expanded this spring into 63 convenience stores across the province and has since grown to 72 locations specifically in northern Ontario. “I decided to support Split The Pot Ontario because it’s a meaningful way to support our local hospital or hospitals across Ontario. The funds raised help purchase vital equipment that can make a difference in patient care (yours and mine),” said the winner, Shirley, in a news release. “It feels good knowing that my participation contributes to something so important.” Funding critical care equipment The executive director of the foundation, Teresa Martone, underscored the importance of the funding. “Your support of Sault Area Hospital Foundation helps to fund the critical tools our caregivers need to make outstanding care possible. Every ticket you purchase makes a difference for care in the Algoma District,” she said. Martone detailed how such funds are used, noting that this year’s needs include new patient monitors and medical beds. “Patient monitors are a key part of care. These monitors give insight into a patient’s condition... They can help determine if a patient is stable or if their condition has changed. When there may be cause for concern, a monitor alerts the care team so they can intervene. These monitors help save lives at Sault Area Hospital.” How the lottery operates The grand prize is split among 13 winners; one winner receives 60 per cent of the payout, two winners share 20 per cent, and the remaining 20 per cent is divided among ten winners. Since its inception, Split the Pot has paid out more than $8.7 million to more than 569 winners. When purchasing their tickets, players can choose to support a specific hospital foundation at checkout or split their impact equally among all 82 participating foundations by selecting “All Participating Ontario Hospitals.” The funds from Shirley’s ticket purchase will benefit the Sault Area Hospital Foundation. A new draw The September lottery is currently underway, featuring a guaranteed payout of $250,000 and $75,000 in additional prizing – including groceries for a year. Tickets can be purchased online or, “if you want to follow Shirley’s lead,” at participating convenience stores. Split the Pot (RAF1494020) is a joint initiative of the participating foundations. For more information – including the game’s full rules- visit the Split the Pot website or its social media page. Play responsibly For problem gambling support, please call the Ontario Gambling Helpline at 1-866-531-2600 or visit connexontario.ca
