Hospital ‘Car or Ca$h for Healthcare’ lottery grand prize, 50/50 winners announced

Peter Sonea from Ottawa emerged as the winner of this year’s WIN2024.ca Hospital Car or Ca$h for Healthcare lottery, benefiting the Almonte General Hospital Fairview Manor Foundation and the Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital Foundation. Sonea’s winning ticket number 372-899-541 was purchased online.

Upon being contacted by Keith Bean, owner of Bean Chevrolet Buick GMC in Carleton Place and a key sponsor of the lottery, Sonea expressed his surprise and mentioned he bought the tickets to support local causes.

“I needed some time to process the exciting news before I could decide,” Sonea said when asked about choosing between the 2024 Corvette or $100,000.

The final draw for WIN2024 took place amidst a gathering of over 200 car enthusiasts, who braved rainy weather at the corner of McNeely Avenue and Highway 7. The event coincided with the Carleton Place Car Cruise Nights Wednesday evening, with the Carleton Place and Almonte Civitan Clubs managing BBQs and serving attendees.

In addition to Sonea, Mike Richard of Pakenham was announced as the winner of this year’s 50/50 prize, totaling over $64,000 with ticket number 381-634-989. Richard mentioned his family’s past use of the hospital when explaining his reasons for buying tickets.

“Just pay down some bills and do some repairs to the house,” Richard said about his plans for the prize money.

Brad Harrington, President and CEO of the Mississippi River Health Alliance, highlighted the positive impact of the lottery on hospital care.

“This annual lottery has had a major impact on the care provided at both hospitals and our manor,” Harrington said. “The funds raised in the past five years have supported the construction of the new Emergency Department in Carleton Place and the acquisition of vital clinical equipment for both hospitals and the manor. Our hospital patients and manor residents are ultimately the biggest winners. We are deeply indebted to Keith, all the prize sponsors, ticket buyers, and volunteers that helped make this year’s lottery another huge success.”