STARS hoping tickets sell out for lottery after other fundraisers nixed

STARS has launched its ninth annual lottery fundraiser in Saskatchewan, hoping ticket sales will stay strong after other fundraisers have been cancelled.

The ninth annual STARS Lottery Saskatchewan officially launched on Wednesday. A total of 1,800 prizes are up for grabs, with a total value of more than $4.2 million, including vehicles, vacations, cash, electronics and appliances. Two fully furnished show homes, worth more than $1.5 million each, will also be given to lucky winners, according to a news release.

But the pandemic has meant the organization has had to cancel a number of its other fundraisers in Saskatchewan, making the lottery an even more critical source of funds than in previous years.

Mark Oddan, senior communications adviser for STARS, said many communities hold their own local fundraisers in support of the organization throughout the year. With physical distancing and the current restrictions on gatherings, most have been cancelled. STARS has also had to postpone its annual gala in Regina, and its Field of Stars event near Saskatoon is moving to a virtual format.

“It is by far our largest fundraiser of the year. It’s important in any given year, but especially this year, we really want to hope that it will be a successful year,” said Oddan.

STARS typically raises around $10.5 million each year in Saskatchewan, which covers the half of its operating expenses not covered by the provincial government. Oddan said the STARS Lottery alone usually brings in more than $2 million for the organization.