Celebrating Big Wins & Better Breast Health
Sault Ste. Marie, ON – March 5, 2025 – On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, three lucky individuals received thrilling phone calls from the Group Health Centre (GHC) Trust Fund, marking the 25th anniversary of the Big Wish Lottery. The celebration saw three fortunate winners share in a grand total of $80,000 in prizes.
Franca Catling from Sault Ste. Marie was this year’s grand prize winner for the Big Wish for Breast Health, claiming a life-changing $50,000 cash prize (ticket #3789369001). When GHC reached out to deliver the exciting news, Catling was overcome with disbelief. “Are you kidding me?! I’ve never won anything in my life!” she exclaimed.
Catling had picked up her lucky ticket just before leaving the Group Health Centre. “As I was heading out, I spotted the volunteer selling tickets and thought, ‘Why not?’ I still can’t believe my luck!” she said, her voice filled with wonder at the unexpected turn of events.
Two more winners joined in the celebration: Sharon Boissoneau (ticket #1945336001) claimed the second grand prize of $25,000 in cash, and Frank Bock (ticket #99017702001) won the third grand prize, which included $2,500 in cash and $2,500 in partner gift cards. Bock selected gift cards from McDougall Energy, Lyons Timber Mart, No Frills, Pino’s, and Giovanni’s Restaurant.
“I couldn’t be happier for our winners,” said Lil Silvano, GHC’s President and CEO. “Breast screening has had an immeasurable impact on countless lives in our community. This fundraiser’s impact goes far beyond the prizes—funds raised will help upgrade our mammography unit, ensuring that accessible, high-quality breast health services continue for years to come.”
Fundraisers like the Big Wish Lottery are crucial in supporting the purchase of medical equipment, significantly enhancing GHC’s ability to provide top-tier care to the community. This year’s proceeds will benefit the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), offered through GHC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department. The OBSP is available through self-referral for women, trans, and nonbinary people between the ages of 40 and 74.
“Our OBSP screens an average of 6,000 mammograms annually. This program is available to all eligible individuals throughout the Algoma district, and eligibility is not tied to being a GHC patient. Those who meet the OBSP criteria can self-refer, every two years,” said Kim Cadham, GHC’s Manager of Diagnostic Imaging.
“The cost to replace a mammography unit exceeds $280,000, and there is no government funding for medical equipment,” said Tricia Lesnick, Trust Fund Manager. “The responsibility rests solely with the Trust Fund, which relies on the community’s generous support to make these essential purchases.”
The GHC Trust Fund would like to extend heartfelt thanks to this year’s Big Wish sponsors: Group Health Centre & Merrett’s I.D.A., who sponsored the third grand prize, Rogers Sports & Media and the local community partners who sponsored the early bird draws.
This milestone year for the Big Wish Lottery was made possible by the incredible generosity of our community—our dedicated partners, enthusiastic ticket buyers, and tireless volunteers who helped make it a success.
Every ticket purchased, dollar raised, and act of support brings us closer to upgrading our mammography unit—ensuring accessible, high-quality breast health services for years to come. With no government funding for medical equipment, we rely entirely on our community to make this life-saving investment a reality.
You can make a difference today. Donate now and help us reach our goal: <https://bit.ly/49uCRgd>
Together, we are changing lives and strengthening the fight against breast cancer.
License number: RAF1431937
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About GHC Trust Fund
Founded in 1979, the GHC Trust Fund is a registered non-profit organization meeting the fundraising needs of GHC, its patients, and the surrounding community of Algoma. For more information, visit our website: trustfund.ghc.on.ca
About the Ontario Breast Screening Program
The Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), facilitated through Cancer Care Ontario, is a province-wide program that provides high-quality breast cancer screening. To book your mammogram at GHC, you do not need to be a GHC patient; our Diagnostic Imaging services are open to the public. For more information, visit the GHC website: https://ghc.on.ca/public-services/algoma-breast-health/
