$1.1M grand prize home in Hospitals foundation lottery

The newest dream home in Regina could soon be occupied.

The Hospitals of Regina Foundation has kicked off the 2018 fall home lottery.

This year’s grand prize home is worth about $1.1 million. The over 4,000 sq. foot home features a handmade solid oak staircase, a cook’s kitchen with a hidden pantry, a heated European inspired wet room in the master ensuite and a basement entertainment area with a wet bar.

Along with the showhome, the winner will receive $30,000.

Dino Sophocleous, president and CEO of the foundation, said the 2 lotteries the organization runs per year contribute about $3.5 million.

Sophocleous has 26 years of experience and has worked with three hospital foundations.

“I have never seen a community as philanthropic and as determined and as dedicated to its local healthcare as the one in southern Saskatchewan.”

The money from this lottery will go toward new machines and technology for diagnostic imaging.

Sophocleous said the money will invest funds in two new ultrasound machines, a new CT scanner, a refurbished MRI as well as replacing and upgrading the radiology suite at the Regina General Hospital.

Last year, 50,000 CT scans were performed in Regina hospitals along with 17,000 MRIs and 20,000 ultrasounds.

Kunal Goyal, area department lead for medical imaging with the Saskatchewan Health Authority, said there is a definite need for new equipment.

“We in diagnostic imaging have doubled the number of cases we do for diagnostic and interventional procedures over the last five years,” Goyal said.

He also said top of the line equipment should be available locally.

“Which makes the exams to be safer and of better quality.”

The newer equipment also leads to faster recovery times, meaning people no longer need to require weeks in the hospital.

One of the early-bird prizes available this year is a $675,000 Katepwa cottage located steps away from the water, a pontoon boat and $5,000 in cash. In order to be eligible for this prize, tickets must be purchased by Nov. 2.

The showhome will be open to viewing on Sept. 1 and people are encouraged to get their tickets fast — over 20% of tickets have already been sold.