23-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Hospice Niagara launches Mega 50/50 lottery to support palliative care
Hospice Niagara has unveiled a new fundraising initiative, the Niagara Mega 50/50 lottery, aimed at enhancing support for palliative care services across the region.
Building upon the legacy of the former 5 Car Draw, Mega 50/50 offers ticket holders more frequent draws and larger prizes. Tickets are available on the Mega 50/50
website
.
'Every ticket helps Hospice Niagara continue to provide compassionate care, completely free of charge, to people and families across Niagara,' said Alicia Merry, director of marketing and fund development.
Ticket bundles range from $20 for a single entry to $175 for 500 tickets, a pricing option inspired by the 5 Car Draw. Once a ticket is purchased, it is entered into all remaining draws even if the buyer has already won.
Early bird draws for $10,000 in cash are on May 27, June 24, July 22 and Aug. 19. A grand prize draw for a 2025 Chevrolet Silverado is on Sept. 9, followed by a final jackpot draw on Sept. 12.
The 5 Car Draw, which ran for 16 years, was a significant fundraiser for Hospice Niagara. In its final year, the draw offered more than $242,000 in prizes, including five new vehicles.
Money raised by Mega 50/50 will support essential hospice programs, including in-home palliative care, emotional and medical support at the end of life and grief counselling for all ages.
Hospice Niagara operates a 10-bed residential hospice in St. Catharines and provides care for more than 1,400 patients annually. That reach is expected to grow significantly with the opening of two new hospice residences. Walker House in Welland is to open this fall, and Willson House in Fort Erie is planned for 2026.
'Play with purpose,' said Merry. 'Every ticket is a chance to win and a way to help people live well, no matter what life presents.'
More information about the fundraiser or ways to buy tickets can be found on the fundraiser
website
.
