The CHEO Foundation has launched the 2025 Dream of a Lifetime lottery with record prize packages to mark its 35th anniversary.
“This is the biggest fundraiser we have,” says Steve Read, the foundation’s president and CEO. “We do this because this is how we put the best resources in the hands of the clinicians who are looking after the kids” at CHEO and Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice.
The lottery offers more than 7,400 prizes totalling just over $5.2 million. The biggest of them is the grand prize, which includes the designer-decorated and fully furnished Minto dream home, $100,00 in cash, a Mercedes Benz SUV, groceries, gas, house cleaning and more. It’s valued at $3.7 million. But there are many other enticing prizes, from trips and gift cards to cash, a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed $1 million payout, sports tickets and more.
Touring the dream home
It’s open until Dec. 19 on the following days and times:
- Tuesday to Friday: noon to 8 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Closed Mondays.
It’s located at 808 Skysail Place in Manotick. There will be signs.
There is no charge to visit the home and no appointment is needed.
Not able to see it in person? By late September, there will be a 3D virtual tour on the lottery website that allows you to walk through at your own pace and as often as you like. The virtual tour will also include extra details such as a design studio that identifies materials used in the home.
Early-bird deadlines
There are several early-bird deadlines with draws for special prizes. Winners of the early-bird prizes are still eligible for all other draws:
- Sept. 26: The winner can choose one of the following: a 2025 Volkswagen ID Buzz from Myers Automotive Group (valued at just under $102,000), a 2025 Bronco Heritage Edition (E4D) from Donnelly Ford Lincoln (valued at just under $92,000) or $100,000 cash.
- Oct. 17: First early-bird deadline for extra tickets for the final draw. Two hundred will be given out.
- Oct. 31: Iconic Thailand. The winner will get an eight-day luxury escape to Thailand with accommodations and $5,000 spending money. Valued at $95,000.
- Nov. 21: Second early-bird deadline. One winner will receive $250,000 in cash. There are also 5,500 bonus tickets for the final draw to be won.
- Dec. 5: Final early-bird deadline where 200 bonus tickets will be awarded for the final draw.
Getting your ticket
As has been the case for the past few years, tickets are $100 each or 3 for $250. The 50/50 tickets, which can be purchased if you have a lottery ticket, are $10 each, five for $25 or 15 for $50. There are also packages that combine lottery and 50/50 tickets.
Tickets can be purchased online at dreamofalifetime.ca, by phone at 613-722-5437 or 1-877-562-5437, or by visiting the dream home (no cash taken). The lottery runs until Dec. 19.
“I hope everybody feels like a winner just by participating because for those who need these resources, this is how we’re able to do that,” Read says.
For more information, visit dreamofalifetime.ca.
