Marie Binelli feels so strongly about CHEO’s good work that she took the time to speak at the launch of the We All Win lottery while her son was undergoing surgery at the children’s hospital.
Her son Jacob was in surgery for a hernia on Friday, March 8, during the kickoff of the Ottawa Hospital and Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario lottery in Kanata Lakes.
“Our son is currently receiving treatment at CHEO today,” said Binelli, adding she was able to be at the launch because she knew he was in capable hands.
Jacob was due to be born on March 8 this year, but instead was born prematurely.
“Our son was very young and sick in his early days,” said Binelli.
“We are grateful for all the support … for all the difference they have made in our lives,” she said.
Binelli was given a CHEO bear for Jacob as she stepped away from the podium during the launch of the lottery.
WE ALL WIN
The lottery punched up its format this year, introducing a “Wild Week of Winning.” And instead of giving away one grand prize home – the lottery will make four winners homeowners in Kanata Lakes.
“We have a lot of exciting changes,” said Danielle St-Aubin, vice-president of donor relations with the Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
From June 17 to 21, there will be daily draws for:
* Five $10,000 prizes
* Five $5,000 travel vouchers from Sears Travel
* A new vehicle from Myers Automotive Group
And on June 21, there will be four grand-prize draws for award-winning Horizon townhomes from Urbandale Construction.
“Now that really is a wild week of winning,” said Cheryl Hammond, vice-president of corporate events for the CHEO foundation.
Every grand-prize home – located at 252, 254, 256 and 258 Keyrock Dr. – comes completely furnished with appliances and furniture, thanks to Sears Home Store. People are welcome to drop by to see the homes from noon to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.
There is also an additional VIP early bonus draw. Ticket buyers who purchase by midnight on March 22 will be entered into a draw for 1,000 three-packs of bonus tickets.
Those who purchase by midnight on May 10 will be entered into another early bird draw for $75,000.
“The We All Win lottery is really aptly named,” said Matthew Sachs, with Urbandale Construction. “There is no better cause.
“It benefits everyone in the community.”
Doctors, nurses and staff at CHEO and the Ottawa Hospital see more than two million patients every year.
“They are here in our community when we need them,” said Vanessa Lee, a reporter and anchor with a local television station. “All these reasons (are) why everyone in the community should be supporting (these hospitals).”
Funds raised through the We All Win lottery help equip the staff with up-to-date equipment and supports life-saving research to find cures for diseases.
“For me, CHEO will always have a special place,” said Natalie Larocque, Sears regional vice-president of eastern Ontario.
Her son was diagnosed with diabetes at a young age.
“As a parent you have so many worries,” she said, adding the hospitals help provide peace of mind, knowing patients are getting the best possible care. “We all have a story.”
Tickets are $100 each or three for $250. They can be ordered online at weallwin.ca, at any major bank, the grand-prize townhomes, by mail or by phone at 613-737-4946 or 1-877-730-4946.