With just three days left, the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation's Answer to Cancer lottery has sold only 50 per cent of its tickets.
"This is our first lottery and so the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation is learning as we go," organization president Linda Eagen told CTV Ottawa on Monday.
The Answer to Cancer lottery features a grand prize luxury home package worth more than $1.5 million, along with 4,300 other prizes that have a combined value of more than $2.4 million.
Charity lotteries a competitive business
There are currently three charity lotteries in Ottawa alone. With lotteries elsewhere also advertising in the capital, many say charity lotteries in the region have become a competitive business.
However, those who have been involved with charity lotteries for years suggest experience may help sell tickets.
Next week, CHEO launches its Dream of a Lifetime lottery for the 18th straight year.
"If somebody was to look at it and be a shopper -- if you want to put it that way -- and lay out all the brochures and have a look from top to bottom with the prizes, we look really attractive in that space," said Kevin Keohane, of the CHEO Foundation.
Money to help local projects, organizations
With just days before the lottery closes, Eagen said she's still hoping the public will bet on her foundation.
"We could impact things like wait times that we know are very stressful for anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis," she said.
One of many beneficiaries from the lottery include Roger's House, a palliative pediatric care hospice that gives kids and parents a break from time spent in the hospital. Cash will also be used for research projects and clinical trials in eastern Ontario.
With a report from CTV Ottawa's Catherine Lathem
