Ponoka resident Lisa Hendrikson could hardly believe her good fortune, having won $500,000 in the Win Win Staff Lottery - which benefits health foundations province-wide.
"I was a little flabbergasted to be honest," said Hendrickson after the cheque presentation, which was made Oct. 21 at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre.
She also noted with a laugh that this is also the first time she has really won anything.
The Win Win Staff Lottery is primarily as AHS/APL lottery that is promoted to more than 119,000 AHS and APL staff from across the province. They can choose to take part through a payroll deduction.
There are also 65 healthcare foundations and trusts that are partners with the Win Win Staff Lottery from across Alberta, according to a release.
"Over the past 10 years, over $29 million has been raised to support hospital and healthcare sites across Alberta to help advance patient care. Funds raised through the Win Win Staff Lottery support the Ponoka Community Health Centre and the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre."
Katherine Steblyk, foundation chair, noted, "Lisa won $500,000 - and the other $500,000 (raised) is distributed across the province among the 65 foundations.
"And then it's divided between each of those on a pro-rated basis. But because Lisa designated Ponoka (for proceeds from her ticket purchase), we will get a little bit more."
The lottery has supported everything from immunization clinics to funding the purchase of a CT scanner to supporting scholarship programs.
