Lisa Bennett doesn’t have to worry about paying for a mortgage.
Bennett’s name was selected during the Canada Day Fort William Rotary House Lottery draw at the waterfront Friday afternoon, meaning she’s the grand-prize winner of a $487,000 home.
Lisa and her daughter, Miranda, will take possession of a 1,700 square-foot Silverstone Place home. The house features three bedrooms, two four-piece bathrooms, hardwood floors, and granite counter tops.
Rotary House spokesman Gordie Garriock said this year’s lottery was the Rotary House’s biggest as it sold out of its 10,000 tickets, raising about $225,000.
“We are just thrilled to death,” Garriock said.
“It’s been a lot of work, we sold out early so that was amazing and everyone in Thunder Bay is so supportive they always step forward every year to help out.”
All proceeds go towards the community and region to help with health care, education, boys and girl club, and scholarships for the Lakehead Music Festival.
“The money goes a very long way,” she added.
Considering the success of this year’s draw, the Fort William Rotary Club is certain they’ll have another draw next Canada Day..
“We keep thinking we are going to end it one of these years but you know the volunteers are enthusiastic, and we have a lot of help from the people in the community,” Garriock said.
“We are a very small rotary club we just could not do this on our own.”
The committee will begin planning next year’s lottery in August.
