When Lynne Moore bought a ticket for Group Health Centre (GHC) Trust Fund’s Bunkie Lottery earlier this summer, she never expected to hear her name announced as the grand prize winner. But on Wednesday, August 13, at 4:00 p.m., with ticket number 99020862001, that’s exactly what happened.
Moore of Sault Ste. Marie is now the proud owner of a Rockwood 160 Bunkie from Bunkie Life and $30,000 in cash—the main prize in the second annual Bunkie Lottery.
“I couldn’t believe it when I got the call,” said Moore. “We had been looking to add a Bunkie at camp for more sleeping space, and when my daughter mentioned Bunkie Life, I remembered seeing an advertisement on SooToday for the Bunkie Lottery,” she added.
Based in Ontario, Bunkie Life is a family-run business known for its easy-to-assemble Bunkies that are perfect for a camp, backyard guest house, or office. This marks the second year Bunkie Life has partnered with the GHC Trust Fund, and once again, the grand prize winner chose the bunkie package over the cash-only option.
But for the GHC Trust Fund, the greatest benefit is what’s ahead. Proceeds from this year’s lottery will support the purchase of new ultrasound machines and a mammography unit in GHC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department. “Knowing the proceeds were going towards Diagnostic Imaging was also a big reason why I purchased,” Moore shared.
“Every ticket bought brings us closer to the equipment our community needs,” said Tricia Lesnick, Trust Fund Manager. “Diagnostic imaging is the first step in many patients’ health journeys. The support we’ve received this year will help us enhance care for thousands of people across the region.”
GHC’s Diagnostic Imaging team performs over 41,000 procedures each year—including mammograms, x-rays and ultrasounds. With the Ontario Breast Screening Program expanding eligibility to include individuals aged 40 to 74, the need for upgraded technology is greater than ever.
“We are truly grateful to our community for supporting this fundraiser,” said Lil Silvano, CEO of GHC. “The Bunkie Lottery is exciting for its winners; however, its greatest value is in helping us care for our friends, families, and neighbours by detecting health concerns early, often changing or even saving lives”.
Moore, still beaming from her big win, joked that while she has received many congratulations, she has also heard from many people who were disappointed not to win themselves. “This is a great lottery, and I really hope you do it again next year!” she laughed.
2025 Early Bird Winners – $1,000 cash each:
- July 2: Mildred St. Pierre of Sault Ste. Marie (ticket no. 99018591002)
- July 9: Michael Whitmell of Midhurst (ticket no. 99018637004)
- July 16: Kathryn Johnstone of Sault Ste. Marie (ticket no. 4721823003)
- July 23: Ken McMillan of Sault Ste. Marie (ticket no. 1703345001)
- July 30: Linda Dottor of Sault Ste. Marie (ticket no. 99019094004)
The GHC Trust Fund extends its heartfelt thanks to Brady & Mary’s No Frills, Rome’s Independent Grocer, and Canadian Tire for the space to sell in-person tickets, as well as to all ticket buyers and volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of this lottery.
To learn more about how funds are helping enhance diagnostic imaging at GHC, visit trustfund.ghc.on.ca or follow the GHC Trust Fund on Facebook and Instagram.
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