Ontario’s Split the Pot Lottery Hits $1 Million, Raising Vital Funds for 68 Hospitals

TORONTO – Ontario’s Split the Pot Lottery has reached a major milestone, surpassing $1 million in ticket sales in support of 68 hospitals across the province. This province-wide lottery, which runs until November 27, 2024, is a unique initiative to provide funding for hospital equipment and urgent upgrades, with a projected grand prize of $1.2 million to be split among 13 winners.

With Ontario hospitals managing their own funding for equipment and 10% of infrastructure costs, this fundraising effort addresses a critical need. “Split the Pot helps bridge the gap in government funding at a time when hospitals need it most,” said Paul McIntyre Royston, President & CEO of the Grand River Hospital Foundation. He emphasized that the funds raised go toward essential medical tools, such as MRI machines, which support patient care improvements across the province.

Tickets, priced at $20 for five, are available at splitthepot.ca. Early ticket buyers also have chances to win up to $5,000 in weekly draws, with the next early-bird entry deadline set for November 6, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.

Hospital Tour to Rally Community Support

In a bid to galvanize local support, Split the Pot organizers are launching a tour from November 12 to November 14, stopping at several Ontario hospitals, including Grand River Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in Kitchener, Guelph General Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre Guelph, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, and Lakeridge Health in Oshawa. The public and media are invited to attend, and community members can directly contribute to their local hospitals or distribute proceeds to all 68 partners through ticket purchases.

Directing Funds to Local Hospitals

Supporters of Split the Pot can choose to allocate net proceeds from their tickets to a specific hospital or have the funds equally shared across all 68 hospital partners. This option empowers Ontario residents to make a direct impact on the hospital of their choice, improving access to critical care equipment and services.

Since its launch in 2023, the Split the Pot Lottery has raised over $1.5 million. Organizers anticipate even greater results as awareness and participation grow, supporting Ontario hospitals in their mission to provide exceptional patient care.

For ticket purchases, draw deadlines, and prize details, visit splitthepot.ca.