The 2026 CHEO Dream of a Lifetime lottery has launched with its biggest prize package ever — more than 9,000 prizes totalling over $5.3 million. The grand prize Minto dream home, a 50/50 draw with a guaranteed minimum $1 million payout, cars, trips, gift cards, Senators tickets, bonus lottery tickets and more: there’s lots to win, plus it’s all for a good cause.
“This is our largest fundraiser,” says Steve Read, who is president and CEO of the CHEO Foundation, which runs the lottery. Sure, people want to win a prize, he says, but “I think people really appreciate the cause; (many tell us) that the reason for buying a ticket is more inspired by the help that they’re providing the kids that we serve.” The foundation supports the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario, CHEO Research Institute and Roger Neilson Children’s Hospice.
This year’s lottery runs until Dec. 18, with several early-bird draws for extra prizes. The $3.6-million grand prize includes the designer-decorated and fully furnished Minto dream home, a Mercedes SUV, $100,000 in cash, $5,000 in gas, house cleaning for a year, 25 years of car washes, $5,000 in groceries, plus moving and legal services.
Touring the dream home
The dream home is open until Dec. 18 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 389 Vibert Douglas Dr. in Kanata. 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. 25: No bills for a year draw. One winner will receive $100,000 in cash.
- Oct. 16: First early-bird draw for extra tickets in the final draw. There will be 1,000 tickets available.
- Oct. 30: Dream vacations. Five winners will be drawn for five trips: Spain, Dominican Republic, Japan, Newfoundland and Costa Rica.
- Nov. 20: 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. 4: Final early-bird deadline where 1,000 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. 18.
For more information, visit dreamofalifetime.ca.
