A new weekly lottery has launched in Bancroft to support the purchase of critical hospital equipment at North Hastings Hospital.
Organized by the North Hastings District Hospital Auxiliary, the “Catch the Ace” raffle will hold its first draw on June 26.
Ticket sales began last Friday and weekly draws will take place every Thursday at 3 p.m. at the Corner Café in the Professional Building.
Auxiliary president Donna Federov says the organization, who supports the hospitals Fund Development Committee, wanted to ‘step up its game’ with the fundraiser.
“It’s a big undertaking at the start” said Federov, noting that the initial costs included building a secure website, printing tickets, and purchasing raffle and donation equipment.
The popular progressive lottery sees 50 per cent of ticket sales directed to hospital fundraising, 20 per cent awarded to the weekly winner, and 30 per cent added to a growing jackpot.
To prepare, Auxiliary president Donna Federov visited other communities with successful “Catch the Ace” programs, including Barry’s Bay, where last year’s jackpot reached nearly $500,000.
The biggest need currently, she says, is an X-ray machine with the hospital’s current one nearing its ‘end of life’.
The Bancroft Auxiliary has a track record of fundraising success, including $300,000 toward the CT scanner now at North Hastings Hospital.
Federov hopes the draw becomes a long-term fixture in the community.
“This is more than a fundraiser — it’s a way for people to invest directly in their local health care.”
Tickets are currently on sale for $10 at participating local businesses in Bancroft and the surrounding area.
