REGINA — STARS supporters were ready to celebrate as the provincial lottery completed it's final draws yesterday, handing out prizes to many winners in what is being described as the “most successful lottery” to date.
A total of 2,061 prizes valued at over $4.2 million were featured in the 10th annual event, which is STARS’ largest fundraising endeavour each year in Saskatchewan.
Prizes included big cash, luxury cars, vacations and even two fully-furnished million-dollar homes for ticket-buyers to take a chance on winning.
This year, the lottery broke records by collecting more than $5 million to support the charitable organization in providing emergency medical care by air.
“STARS Lottery has always been our largest fundraiser, but its importance to our operations has grown during these challenging times,” said Terri Strunk, STARS Chief Fundraising and Brand Officer. “We’re grateful to our allies for making this our most successful lottery ever.”
Seventeen lucky winners were named in the final draws, including Angie Rogalski of Melville, Sask. who won the Lucky Stars 50/50 prize of almost $1.5 million in cash.
Saskatoon resident Brian Rushton was named winner of the Early Bird Prize, an Ultimate Outdoor Adventure Package valued at $339,000 — a meaningful win as he has a family member who was helped by STARS just a few weeks ago.
“We appreciate STARS and all the work they do. We stand behind STARS big time,” said Rushton.
This year’s four loyalty prize winners are Lori Wirth of Wadena, Sask. with $2,500 in cash, Myrna McCall of Indian Head, Sask. with $5,000, Lynn Crawley of Harris, Sask. with $10,000 and Patrick Sullivan of Estevan, Sask. with $50,000.
Terry Busa of Saskatoon will be receiving the keys to the dream home worth $1.6 million in Saskatoon, and Tom Joyce of Dodsland, Sask. will do the same for the $1.5 million prize home in Regina.
Other winners announced include:
- Lu & Jim Mitchell (Francis, Sask.): 2021 Audi A4 45 TRSI Komfort or 2021 Audi Q5 45 TFSI Komfort or $45,000 cash;
- Trevor Lohneis (Saskatoon, Sask.): 2021 GMC Terrain or 2021 Jeep Compass North or $33,000 cash;
- Christopher Gignac (Saskatoon, Sask.): 2021 Chevy Trailblazer or 2021 Volkswagen Golf or $30,000 cash;
- Sopotyk family (Aberdeen, Sask.): Cross-Canada tour by motorboat or $8,000 cash;
- Daryl Lewis (Imperial, Sask.): Best of Greece vacation trip or $6,500 in cash;
- Tracy Machel (Regina, Sask.): Vacay in Victoria vacation trip or $2,500 cash;
- John Sutherland (Saskatoon, Sask.): Banff Like A Boss vacation trip or $2,000 cash;
- Cristina Dauvin (Spiritwood, Sask.): $5,000 cash;
- Helen Thompson (Wolseley, Sask.): home office upgrade.
Prize winners will be notified of their wins by letter, said STARS, with details on how to claim their winnings. The list of winners is also available online through the STARS website.
“We congratulate all the winners, and we can’t thank the people of Saskatchewan enough for their support. Together, we will continue to fight for the lives of people in need across this great province,” said Strunk.
