GROUP HEALTH CENTRE TRUST FUND ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF THE BREAST HEALTH BUNKIE LOTTERY
Sault Ste. Marie – The Group Health Centre (GHC) Trust Fund is excited to announce the winners of the inaugural Breast Health Bunkie Lottery! Congratulations to Alison and Matt Barbeau, who won with ticket number 99014224001. The Barbeaus, who recently purchased a camp property this summer, chose the $60,000 Bunkie Package as their grand prize. “We had been considering a Bunkie for our property, and when I saw the ad on Instagram, I decided to buy a ticket. It couldn’t have come at a better time,” Alison said.
The first year of the Bunkie Lottery was a success, raising funds and awareness for breast health in our community. Proceeds from the lottery will go towards replacing the mammography unit at GHC, a critical need for our region. Without this replacement, patients could face longer wait times and reduced access to screenings, placing increased strain on the healthcare system. “Early detection is vital. Delayed screening can lead to lost time in diagnosis, which is crucial in breast cancer cases,” said Kim Cadham, Manager of Diagnostic Imaging at GHC.
Investing in equipment and infrastructure isn’t just about maintaining services—it’s a critical strategy for attracting future healthcare providers. GHC’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, which houses the Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), serves as a key asset not only to GHC patients but also to the broader community, performing over 6,000 mammograms annually. Upgrading equipment, like the mammography unit, enhances GHC’s capabilities and boosts its appeal when recruiting primary care providers. This investment is not only vital to GHC but is also a significant contribution to the overall health of everyone in our community.
The lottery reached beyond our local community, with tickets purchased from places like Wawa, North Bay, and Orillia. The unique Bunkie prize drew widespread interest, helping to generate essential funds for this life-saving medical equipment. “The Bunkie really captured attention both locally and provincially, allowing us to raise crucial funds for our new mammography unit,” said Tricia Lesnick, GHC Trust Fund Manager.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated volunteers who tirelessly sold in-person tickets, as well as to Rome’s YIG, No Frills, Metro Northern Ave., and Metro Churchill Plaza for generously providing space for ticket sales. We would also like to thank Group Health Centre & Merrett’s I.D.A. for sponsoring the early bird prizes.
And, of course, a big thank you to everyone who purchased a ticket and supported the Breast Health Bunkie Lottery. Your participation made this campaign a success and contributed directly to life-saving care for your family, friends, and neighbors. While mammograms might not be pleasant, they are essential.
Remember, the Ontario Breast Screening Program is a public service available to everyone, and you don’t need to be a GHC member or have a physician’s referral to schedule an appointment. Eligible individuals can call (705) 759-5657 to self-refer for their screening.
Click here to donate online and directly support the replacement of the mammography unit.
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