For the first time in its 16-year history, the WinFall Lottery is in danger of losing money.
A fundraiser for the Peace Arch Hospital and Community Health Foundation, ticket sales for the lottery are at 35 per cent – well below where they’ve been at this point in the past, and well below where they need to be, foundation executive director Jackie Smith said Wednesday.
“Our lottery is at risk,” Smith told Peace Arch News. “We’re appealing to all British Columbians to help us.”
Smith announced the dilemma Wednesday morning, following the news with a press conference at the Four Seasons Hotel in Vancouver.
The situation is dire, Smith told PAN.
Since its inception, the lottery has raised $25 million for medical equipment at the hospital.
If sales don’t turn around by the final ticket deadline on Oct. 19, this year’s effort will not add to that total, Smith said.
Proceeds are targeted for equipment throughout the hospital, she added.
“The lottery has always provided. For the first time in our history, our lottery won’t have dollars that we can invest in our community.”
At a loss as to what is stifling sales, Smith appealed to previous and new ticket-buyers who haven’t bought yet to consider the purchase now.
She’s optimistic the community will step up to the plate.
“We do remain optimistic that we can get this done,” Smith said.
Tickets are available at www.WinFallLottery.ca or by calling 604-436-5690.