Across the province, 68 hospitals have come together to 'Split the Pot', a community fundraising effort to support upgrades and urgent patient care equipment.
The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital is one of the hospital foundations taking part in the lottery, and hopes that local residents will purchase tickets to help bridge critical provincial government funding gaps.
Julie Byczynski, CEO of Guelph General Hospital Foundation, says all proceeds from the 'Split the Pot' lottery will go towards patient care.
"Specifically, at Guelph General, the priority is to purchase new state-of-the-art hospital beds that will that to help create a safer, more comfortable environment for patients. We are looking to provide the latest bed technology for our patients," Byczynski, said.
"It's more than just a bed. When you think abut the latest technology out there in hospital beds right now, these are high tech beds with all the greatest and latest features."
While the province covers its operational costs, Guelph General Hospital relies entirely on community support for 100 per cent of its patient care equipment costs.
Byczynski says all of the hospitals participating in the lottery, have one thing in common.
"We all rely on the support from the community to purchase patient care equipment. It's the big ticket items that people might be familiar with like MRI'S and CT scanners, but it's also the small everyday pieces of equipment that are really the work horses," Byczynski said.
"Every floor of the hospital has vital signs monitors and IV pumps. And 100 per cent of patient care equipment that is purchased at Guelph General comes from the community through donations."
Since taking part in the pilot lottery last year, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital participates in the lottery three times a year, with proceeds supporting Guelph General Hospital.
Split the Pot lottery tickets start at $20 for five tickets until Nov. 27th. To purchase tickets, visit here or call 1-833-804-6262.
The grand prize will be shared among 13 winners.
Lottery proceeds will support hospitals across the province.
"We are very fortunate to have the Grand River Cancer Centre which supports all of Waterloo and Wellington County. Any patient from these areas, will most likely, come through our doors," said Treveor Eaton, director of philanthropy and corporate partnerships at Grand River Hospital in Kitchener.
"So, it's incredible how the communities work together."
The province-wide community fundraising initiative has now surpassed $1 million in ticket sales. The lottery milestone increases the payout to over $500,000, expected to grow to a $1.2 million payout split among the lucky winners.
Thousands of dollars in early rewards are still available for early ticket purchasers with weekly chances to win up to $5,000.
