The Alzheimer Society of Sarnia-Lambton's Home Improvement Lottery has raised a record-breaking $92,260.
The draw was held on Thursday, when Michelle Claxton of Sarnia was named the lucky winner of a $50,000 kitchen makeover.
"I am so excited! I am so happy! Thank you so much," said Claxton in a livestreamed phone call.
Claxton will work with Bluewater Home Hardware Building Centre to upgrade her kitchen.
Manager of Fund Development and Communications Marie Marcy-Smids said 2,240 tickets were purchased, the most they've ever sold in the five years the lottery has been running.
"The money raised from this lottery all stays in Sarnia-Lambton. There are over 3,500 people in Sarnia-Lambton who have dementia. For every one of those people, there are two people, care partners, so that brings the number of people affected in Sarnia-Lambton to 10,500 people," Smids said. "We provide so much support to those families and their care partners. We provide education, day programs, system navigation, support services, clinical services, and we also provide education to the community businesses."
Bluewater Home Hardware Building Centre Dealer/Owner Martin Pitts said personally, he - as well as other staff members - can relate to someone who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.
"The support that the Alzheimer Society gives to those people is incredible, so how could we not take part in this? We're very proud to be part of this program," said Pitts.
Smids previously said the organization heavily relies on fundraisers as it's only 48 per cent funded by the Ministry of Health.
