Ticket sales for the annual Home Improvement Lottery, held in support of the Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton, are down compared to last year but tickets are still available for another week.
Manager of Fund Development and Communications Marie Marcy-Smids said many of the mail-outs were not delivered due to the Canada Post strike in late 2024, which contributed to slower ticket sales.
"So we're about 400 tickets behind where we were last year so the odds of winning are pretty darn good because we are under 1,500 tickets sold," said Marcy-Smids.
However, she also said they traditionally see a boost in sales closer to the draw date, which will be on January 16.
Like last year, the winner will receive a backyard makeover, worth $50,000.
"The lucky winner will work with John DeGroot from DeGroot’s Nurseries, landscape extraordinaire, and he will help them come up with the backyard of their dreams," Marcy-Smids said. "It can include anything from a water feature, built-in barbeque, built-in gazebo, built-in fridge, outdoor fire pit, the possibilities are endless."
Tickets are $50 each or two for $80. They can be purchased online through the organization's website or by visiting the Alzheimer Society's office at 420 East St. North in Sarnia.
The deadline to purchase tickets is at 12 p.m. on January 16. The draw will then be livestreamed from Lambton Mall at 4 p.m.
Marcy-Smids thanked this year's sponsors: DeGroot's Nurseries, Vision Nursing Home, The Steeves & Rozema Group, and Bluewater Power.
Last year was the first backyard edition of the Home Improvement Lottery.
Marcy-Smids said they'll return to kitchen makeovers next year, with the grand prize provided by Bluewater Home Hardware Building Centre.
