Alsask woman wins $1 million, Coleville couple shares $1-million 50/50
By Your Southwest Media Group
West central Saskatchewan claimed two of the biggest prizes in this year’s Roughrider & Children’s Hospital Foundations Lottery.
Candace Rae of Alsask is Saskatchewan’s newest millionaire. She won the $1 million grand prize in the lottery, championed by The Mosaic Company.
Rae said her support for the children’s hospital is personal.
“One of the reasons I support the children’s hospital is because my middle son was born with ameloblastoma, and we spent quite a bit of time in the children’s hospital in Alberta. So, when I moved to Saskatchewan, and I saw that they were building a children’s hospital, I really wanted to support it,” she said.
John and Toni Fiest of Coleville also came out big winners. The Halftime 50/50 jackpot reached $1,056,075, and the Coleville couple took home half.
“We donate because my dream has always been to help children that need help,” said Toni Fiest. “When Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital opened, I wanted to talk to them about volunteering when I am in Saskatoon enough. Whether I help feed a child, or whether I read to children, or do a craft with them, or just sit with them or their parents. That’s what I wanted to do.”
This year ’s lottery offered more than 1,000 prizes worth more than $2 million, including more than 300 cash prizes. For
the first time, there were 10 grand prizes, topped by the $1 million cash prize.
More winners are still to come. Daily, weekly and grand prize winners in the cash calendar lottery will be announced every day in November.
The lottery is a partnership between the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. Proceeds support maternal and children’s health care at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and across the province, along with amateur sports, literacy programs and youth mental health awareness.
“We are thrilled to announce Saskatchewan’s newest millionaire,” said Troy Davies, CEO of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Every person who purchased a ticket is helping children and families across our province thrive. From specialized equipment and research to education and mental health programs, your support ensures the whole child is cared for.”
Cindy Fuchs, executive director of the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, said every ticket supports the foundation’s free mental health and literacy programs, which bring Roughrider players into classrooms across the province.
“Together, we are building confidence, encouraging a love of reading and helping young people realize their potential,” she said.
A full list of winners is available at riderschildrenslottery.ca.