By Lethbridge Herald on August 13, 2025.
Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
In 2024 nearly 250,000 Canadians were diagnosed with cancer, nearly 24,000 of them in Alberta. Funding for continuous research for a cure, and for continual treatment programs province-wide, is vital, and the Alberta Cancer Foundation Lottery provides just that..
With its largest prize ever, the 2025 Foundation Lottery launched on Aug. 12, giving ticket buyers a chance to live like a millionaire while also supporting essential cancer programs and research in their own backyard.
“Every day, 60 Albertans will hear for the very first time that they have cancer,” says Foundation CEO Wendy Beauchesne. “The Alberta Cancer Foundation Lottery lets Albertans stand with family, friends and co-workers impacted by cancer. Every ticket helps build a healthier future, while offering exciting chances to win luxury homes, vehicles, vacations, and more cash prize choices than ever!”
This year’s lottery, rebranded from Cash & Cars Lottery, features over 1,000 prizes worth more than $3.6 million. The Grand Prize winner can choose between three multimillion options – a $2.8-million dream villa in Calgary, $2.25 million in cash, or an Edmonton home package worth up to $2.5 million.Â
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is the official fundraising partner for all of Alberta’s cancer centres. Every ticket purchased makes a direct impact, supporting cancer research, care, and patient support programs right here in Alberta.
The most common cancer diagnoses vary by sex. In males, prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed, while in females, it’s breast cancer. However, lung cancer is the most common cancer overall when both sexes are combined.
Lung cancer accounts for approximately one in four cancer deaths, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. While other cancers like colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers are also prevalent, lung cancer consistently ranks highest in mortality rates.
Ticket purchases for the lottery directly aid patient support programs, enhanced care, and fund ground-breaking clinical trials in Alberta, bringing new treatments to those who are out of options.
Calgary firefighter Lorne Miller has bravely faced cancer three times since 2021. Despite each devastating diagnosis, his focus remained on his young daughter, Esmae, and son, August, and his determination to be there for every milestone. Supported by his wife, Lindsay, and his firefighting family, he fought to be present for every moment that mattered.
In May of this year, Lorne celebrated a remarkable milestone: one year cancer-free for the second time. To mark this triumph and inspire hope in others, he ran his very first marathon in support of childhood cancer research. For Lorne, these efforts directly translate to what matters most.
“The Alberta Cancer Foundation Lottery is about more than winning a prize,” says Miller. “For people like me, every ticket purchased is literally a chance at a longer life. The funds raised from this lottery directly support the kind of care that gave me more time with my wife and children, and for that, we thank you.”
Along with the Grand Prize worth up to $2.8 million, winners can also look forward to an impressive selection of high-end vehicles, spectacular vacation packages and much more. Plus, every major prize winner also has the option to choose cash instead to spend however they wish.
Beyond the main prizes, two separate ticketed cash draws are also available. The 50/50 draw features a jackpot that can grow up to $5 million. Plus, a Win Cash Daily draw offers 100 days of cash prizes, totaling $460,000.Â
Tickets purchased early remain eligible for every draw, with winners announced each day from August 8 to November 30.
Tickets can be purchased online at albertacancerlottery.ca or by calling 1-877-783-7403. Tickets can also be purchased in-person at the Calgary dream villa or at Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute.
17