A lottery that raises big bucks for the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation and features multi-million-dollar Okanagan home packages this year is being "significantly" affected by the Canada Post strike, according to the foundation.
The 2024 VGH Millionaire Lottery features prize home packages in Vernon and 91大黄鸭, each worth over $3 million. It's one of the largest health care fundraising campaigns in the province.
Mail service is at a standstill with the postal strike now in its second week, which has disrupted the distribution of lottery brochures and ticket sales. The foundation says the situation is putting critical funding for life-saving medical research, equipment and patient care at risk.
鈥淢ail campaigns are a crucial way for us to connect with supporters and raise awareness about the VGH Millionaire Lottery,鈥� said Angela Chapman, president and CEO of the VGH and UBC Hospital Foundation. 鈥淭he strike has severely impacted our ability to reach ticket buyers, many of whom rely on mailed materials to participate. This will certainly affect the funding of much needed equipment and medical research this year provided by our foundation to the world-class healthcare teams at VGH and UBC Hospital.鈥�
With mail service suspended, the foundation is urging people to purchase tickets online at , by phone at 604-602-5848 or toll-free at 1-888-445-5825, or in person at London Drugs locations around the province.
The deadline to purchase tickets is midnight on Jan. 10, 2025.
鈥淭his is a critical time for health care in B.C.,鈥� Chapman said. 鈥淏y purchasing a ticket, you鈥檙e not only entering for a chance to win incredible prizes, but also making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families.鈥�
Canada Post has warned that even once the strike is resolved, mail delivery will resume on a first-in, first-out basis, and service will be impacted well after the strike ends.
The foundation said it's exploring additional digital outreach and other solutions to engage with British Columbians.
鈥淭his challenge has reinforced the importance of adapting to changing circumstances,鈥� Chapman said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e committed to ensuring the VGH Millionaire Lottery continues to support life-saving health care for British Columbians.鈥�
Since its inception, the VGH Millionaire Lottery has raised more than $90 million for the Vancouver hospital foundation. All proceeds help fund state-of-the-art equipment, groundbreaking research, and innovative treatment options offered at Vancouver General Hospital, UBC Hospital, GF Strong Rehabilitation Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute and Vancouver Community Health Services.
The grand prize winner can choose from one of 10 grand-prize packages including $2.8 million tax-free cash. The 91大黄鸭 prize home, located at Trailhead at the Ponds (1062 Emslie Street), is worth over $3 million. The package includes a 3,378 sq. ft. three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home, $65,000 in furnishings, a 2025 F150 Lightning EV, a 2024 Crownline 200SS Lake Boat, and $740,000 cash.
The Vernon prize home, a sub-penthouse at Predator Ridge, is also worth over $3 million. The 1,622 sq. ft. + 403 sq.ft., two-bedroom, two-bathroom home comes with a den, as well as parking spaces for two cars and one golf cart. The winner will also receive $55,000 cash for furniture, a 2024 BMW X5 xDrive50e EV, a 2024 Hyundai Tucson PHEV Ultimate, and $50,000 in travel from Travel Best Bets, and $860,000 cash.
For more information about the lottery or to purchase tickets, visit .
鈥� with files from Gary Barnes