Hogs for Hospice Holiday Draw is ready to roll

Once again, the Hogs for Hospice committee is pulling out all the stops to create a special Christmas for a lucky individual.

The second Hogs for Hospice Holiday 50-50 Raffle launched today, December 1 and a lucky person could be a whole lot richer when all is said and done.

Last year’s Holiday Draw was won by local resident Cor Slikboer, who pocketed a fine sum of $114,050 from the draw when his ticket was drawn on New Year’s Eve.

By early January, Slikboer had already paid it forward by taking care of both his daughters’ car loans, paying off his own truck and making donations to Green Heart Kitchen and Family Kitchen to help those less fortunate.

At the time, he said, “It’s nice to receive, but the rewards of being able to help someone who is down and out, are great.”

The raffles began in the summer of 2020, when Kingsville resident Gary Lauzon won the first draw, totaling $120,170.

Lauzon said last week that he was happy to be able to help out and wasn’t sure if he’d win anything.

“I don’t think that way,” he said. “I think I’m donating to give back to a great organization. When you buy these tickets, you’re really supporting a great cause.”

Lauzon was able pay off his truck, help out his son, and make a donation back to Hospice Erie Shores Campus.

The summer raffle was followed by last year’s holiday draw and then another summer raffle in 2021, which was won by Maureen Nelson of Desbarats, Ontario. She took home $99,700 after a whirlwind trip to Leamington to collect her cheque and meet the Hogs committee.

All three winners put smiles on the faces of the Hogs Committee who work so hard to make sure the group is involved in the community.

Maureen Nelson was the most recent winner as she collected her prize of $99,700 in August 2021.

“We are proud that these raffles have provided life changing money for three families as well as raising funds for the Hospice Erie Shores Campus,” says Joe Oswald, spokesman for the committee.

'What a great way to welcome the Holiday Season and support our local Hospice. Through the generosity of our community, all funds raised by this raffle will provide comfort and care to patients and their families at no cost to them.” said Christine Colautti, CEO for Erie Shores Health Foundation. “I cannot think of a better Christmas present than that. Thank you Hogs for Hospice for making Christmas more than a season, and representing a feeling of love and gratitude.”

Of course, the raffles wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of all Hogs for Hospice volunteers, the valuable sponsors and those purchasing tickets for their chance to win.

Tickets are five for $10, 20 for $20, 150 for $50 or 500 tickets for $100. The prize will build with each ticket purchase and one lucky winner will receive that special call on New Year’s Eve.

Tickets can be purchased by credit card online at hogsforhospice.com.