Southeast women win One Great Lottery early bird prize

Three local women have won a $3,933 prize from One Great Lottery’s early bird draw.

Johanna Engel from Mitchell and Monique Parent from Landmark, along with a fellow co-worker, found out they won the lottery on Oct. 23 and were presented with the cheque on Nov. 21 at South East Helping Hands in Steinbach.

“I was very excited. I was a little emotional because I couldn’t believe it actually happened because you don’t think that you can win it. It was pretty awesome,” said Engel.

This is the first time that the trio have played One Great Lottery. They decided to try it after seeing it online and wanting their money to go to a worthy cause.

“(South East Helping Hands) is a great charity,” said Parent. “We’re from the community so they’re helping out this time of year. They need the help (and) it was close to home so we picked that one.”

All players choose the charity of their choice when playing. So far South East Helping Hands has garnered $500 from the lottery, which will help feed 450 families and pay for operations.

“The more that people put our name down the more money we get, that’s how it works. Otherwise, you can put all charities and we all get a slice from it,” said operations manager Ken Dyck.

The lottery started in 2022 between the Misericordia Health Centre Foundation and Winnipeg Humane Society partnering together. In 2024, they expanded it to include other charities.

In May, the lottery had 28 charities across the province and two from the Southeast: South East Helping Hands in Steinbach and the Wildlife Haven Rehabilitation Centre in Ile des Chenes. Wildlife Haven did not return this year to the charities list.

In September, the lottery started its second phase with 48 charities generating almost $400,000 in gross sales. The sales exceeded the $100,000 guaranteed jackpot within the first week.

One great Lottery is a percentage raffle wherein 50 percent of the lotto winnings will be distributed among 13 grand prize winners. One winner will take 60 percent of the payout, two will equally share 20 percent of the payout and 10 winners will equally share the final 20 percent of the winnings. There are 30 early bird prizes. The current jackpot is $127,730.

Now in November, the final phase has started with 55 charities with draw dates on Dec. 3 and 10 for early bird drawings and on Dec. 17 for the 13 grand prize winners.

“The entire lottery program has raised over $2 million in the last couple of years,” said Ashley Davidson, director of development at Misericordia Health Centre Foundation.

“Right now, we’re hoping the jackpot can get up to $500,000. Half of that is split between the winners and the other percentage is split among the other charities…it truly is a win-win for Manitoba,” she said.

Tickets can be purchased three for $15; 25 for $25; 150 for $50; and 500 for $100. To purchase tickets visit onegreatlottery.ca or call 1-833-642-4035.