Red Deer Regional Health Foundation presents dream home to lottery winner

“It’s hard to wrap your head around [the support] sometimes. Some of these activities and events age out, but it really speaks to the fact that healthcare is so important to everybody. People get it,” she said. “They really understand that we have services that need to be there for our loved ones, and so being able to continue to provide fun, exciting activities that wind up serving that, I think it just feels really good to know our community has our backs.”

On Tuesday, they handed the keys to Shawn Drapaka of Bonnyville for his new home at 44 Everson Close, designed by Sorento Custom Homes. He and his wife Michelle were in attendance to take possession.

They also announced Bonnie Thiele of Red Deer won the $100,000 cash prize, and Maxine and Keith Rumohr, also from Red Deer, won $366,212.50 in the Mega Bucks 50 draw.

(Image Credit: Since the lottery’s inception 28 years ago, the lottery has raised)

The home features 2,915 sq. ft., three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, and a triple-car garage.

There is also an open sun deck, a wide front porch, an oversized kitchen with a walk-through pantry, a large office, and a master bedroom with an ensuite that features a bathtub and a walk-in shower.

In the basement, there’s a wet bar, two bedrooms, a family room, and a flexible room that could be used for fitness or maybe even a game room.

Drapaka said when he purchased his ticket to the lottery, he never considered the fact that he could potentially win.

“When they phoned, I thought it was a scam or something. I was worried because I did not believe them, but I guess it worked out,” he said.

To convince him, they told him to watch the announcement that was made on Facebook Live.

“I missed the beginning of it, but I caught it when they said my name. I thought ok it must be real,” Drapaka added.

He explained that he gives to charities often and wants to help the community when he can.

Even though he’s not from Red Deer, he’s considering keeping the home at least for now.

Every ticket purchased through the Foundation’s lottery program will go towards critically needed equipment for Red Deer Regional Hospital staff to care for patients across central Alberta.

“The hospital lottery looks at today’s needs because we are working to support the expansion. We have some really cool things coming with the foundation, but the need doesn’t stop. That’s where the hospital lottery comes in,” Therriault added. “The funds that are raised will go towards equipment today.”

Since the lottery’s inception 28 years ago, the lottery has raised nearly $50 million towards the hospital.

by Ian Gustafson

Red Deer Regional Health Foundation presents dream home to lottery winner

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