News

VON’s first-ever 50/50 virtual jackpot has come to a close, and the two lucky winners have been announced! The winner of the Nova Scotia 50/50, who splits the pot of $6,880, is Krista Kennedy. In Ontario, the winner is Margaret MacDonald-Moore, who takes away half of the $24,720 collected.

The new 50/50 raffle put the “fun” in fundraiser, offering staff and the wider community a chance for a great prize while supporting VON's mission of helping people live in their homes and communities by delivering the caring support that they and their families need.

Ontario winner Margaret is a VON staff member in Windsor.

She says she was “surprised and overwhelmed” when she learned she had won. "I was taken aback as I normally do not win at any type of draw,” she says. “I was also thankful that so many people contributed to such a worthy cause because, in the end, it is the VON client who really won."

When asked why she chose to purchase a ticket, Margaret’s dedication to VON's mission shines through. "As a program supervisor for community support services (CSS) programs, I have seen firsthand what the programs can do for a client and their family and how it can change the trajectory of one's future. To know individuals can stay in their homes longer and happier, that is the most important because, in the end, we will all be there one day."

Margaret, who has been with VON for 11 years, also has a personal reason to support VON's programs. "My mother had been diagnosed with cancer, and from day one, VON was there to support her and her need to stay at home, where she eventually passed,” she says.

She adds that her mother benefited from supports include Home Help, Meals on Wheels, nursing and e-Homecare. “The staff and volunteers were engaging and always made her feel like they had time for her, and she was not invisible. From watching my mother receive care, to myself helping support others in the community, VON programs are there to make a difference and to make a significant contribution to families and the community."

Christine Joannette, Senior Director of Philanthropy, is grateful for the support of raffle buyers. "The response to the 50/50 has been exciting,” she says. “Its success is a testament to the community spirit that defines VON. Every dollar makes a difference in our ability to help those in need. Together, we are making a meaningful impact in people’s lives."

As a registered charity, VON relies on the generosity of donors to reach more people in need. The Philanthropy team is also diligently working to secure the $10 million needed to fully implement VON Connect, powered by AlayaCare, VON’s digital health transformation project, across the organization.

Stay tuned for our next (even bigger!) 50/50 raffle in the fall! Get another chance to win big and support a cause that truly makes a difference.