Cashing in for health care

When it comes to lotteries, most people think it's all about the money - those who hold the ticket with the lucky digits get to cash in big. In the case of Calgary Health Trust's Foothills Hospital Home Lottery and Lifestyles Lottery, it also means a big win for all patients who access health care in Calgary.

The two lotteries have become important fundraising cornerstones for Calgary Health Trust. They generate large ticket sales each year, with many Albertans eager to purchase tickets in support of advancing programs and technology at Foothills Medical Centre (FMC), Rockyview General Hospital (RGH) and Peter Lougheed Centre (PLC). Together, the two lotteries have raised more than $60 million.

Now in its 20th year, proceeds from the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery have purchased leading-edge equipment and supported programs at FMC since 1992. Proceeds throughout the last 20 years have been used towards trauma health care, a virtual simulation centre, the Bone Marrow Transplant Program and the Stephenson Cardiovascular Centre at FMC. In addition, innovative equipment has also been purchased, including: an interventional radiology suite for diagnostic imaging; a PET/CT Scanner; Stryker i-Suite™ operating equipment rooms and Novalis radiosurgery technology.

The Lifestyles Lottery, which was established in 2000 and benefits Rockyview General Hospital and Peter Lougheed Centre, has also raised funds that have helped advance programs and equipment at the two hospitals. The Lifestyles Lottery celebrated its 11th year in 2011. During that time, funds raised from the lottery have helped support the cardiovascular programs at both Rockyview and Peter Lougheed, the Southern Alberta Institute of Urology at Rockyview and the Vascular Surgery Program at Peter Lougheed. In addition, ground-breaking technology has been purchased for the two hospitals, including high-definition video equipment, a Vocera Communications System and Stryker i-Suite™ operating equipment rooms.