April 9, 2024

ER Nurse Wins Big Through St. Joe’s Participation in Split the Pot Lottery

When Donna first got the call about winning one of the grand prizes in Ontario’s Split the Pot Lottery, she ignored it. In fact, she ignored the first several calls, all because she couldn’t believe her good luck. 

Donna had told her daughter about a dream she had of winning the lottery the night before, so when the phone calls started coming in, she was firmly convinced they were a silly prank. It took multiple missed calls and some convincing from her coworker before Donna finally picked up the phone. 

“I couldn’t believe I actually won,” said Donna. “I’ve never won anything in my life!” 

An emergency department nurse at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, Donna was one of 13 grand prize winners to split the million-dollar-plus jackpot. As a grand prize winner, Donna will be taking home more than $20,000, and while she’s absolutely thrilled with her first-time win, Donna’s been a long-standing supporter of our Hospital.

“I always support St. Joe’s in their endeavors. You realize over the course of your life that the simple act of making a donation goes a long way,” shares Donna. “Whether it’s supporting my colleagues in their fundraisers or [buying] a simple lottery ticket, I just try to do what I can.”   

The Split the Pot Lottery supports 51 Ontario Hospital Partners, including St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation. Proceeds have been earmarked to fuel robotic surgery innovation. Robotic-assisted procedures have been associated with improved patient outcomes, including faster healing, fewer days in the hospital, and a lower rate of readmission, according to a study co-authored by Dr. Bobby Shayegan, Chief of Surgery at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. 

When asked how she plans to spend her winnings, Donna’s generous spirit continues to shine. She hopes to help her daughter with her mortgage, and perhaps get herself a new pair of shoes.  

About the Split the Pot Lottery 

The Split the Pot Lottery is a partnership of over 50 Ontario Hospitals across the province that have come together to support healthcare excellence. With a combined jackpot and more lucky winners, Split the Pot is an exciting way to make a positive impact on the Ontario healthcare system. Donna was one of three St. Joe’s supporters to take home a prize through St. Joe’s first foray into the Split the Pot Lottery. 

Stay tuned for our next Split the Pot Lottery coming soon.

The Split the Pot Lottery is a joint venture of participating Ontario health care foundations under licence #RAF1365458 issued by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The winning tickets were drawn using an automated, randomized number generation system provided and operated by Ascend Fundraising Solutions and included all verified ticket purchases made before the grand prize deadline.