Danielle Robertson wiped away a few tears when she was given the key to her new 2,400-square-foot house Wednesday morning in Red Deer.
The Wimborne mother was still in shock after winning the modern and luxuriously detailed Southbrook home worth $708,000 in the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation Hospital’s Home Lottery.
“Wow, that’s all I can say,” Robertson said at the ceremony where all major winners were presented with their prizes.
She never expected to win.
Robertson laughed as she recalled assuming the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation representative called on June 24 to discuss the blood tests she had to assess her health after quitting smoking a year ago.
When and if the family will move into the house is still undecided.
Robertson and her husband are taking some time to think about the legalities associated with moving. They’re also considering how they’d adjust to life in Red Deer after living in the tiny hamlet located just south of Torrington.
Her nine-year-old son, Lucas, and six-year-old daughter, Emily, were still excited to explore what may become their new home. The two easily settled into the living room couch following the presentation ceremony.
“My daughter thinks we’re moving in right away,” Robertson said. “She wants to go home and grab a bag of clothes.”
This was the first time that Robertson purchased tickets for the major hospital fundraiser.
Phyllis Vincent has purchased dream home tickets for years to support the local hospital. She never expects to win but was thrilled to take home one of the major prizes this year.
She even went out and bought a purple Harley Davidson T-shirt decorated with rhinestones although she has no intentions of revving up her new motorcycle.
“This grandma feels a little too old to ride a Harley Davidson,” the 69-year-old said.
The grandmother of four, who farms with her husband Douglas just north of Pine Lake, plans on selling the bike and dividing the money between her family.
Other major prize winners were Jean Currie of Alix who won a Ford Mustang convertible, Tony Stiles of Airdrie who won a Dodge Journey vehicle and Ruby Scott of Rocky Mountain House who won a Honda CR-Z.
Grant Edmonds, co-chair of the annual lottery, said 78 per cent of tickets sold this year and $375,000 was raised.
The proceeds will help purchase 18 new patient monitors for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre’s Intensive Care Unit. These will allow clinicians to monitor multiple patients, no matter where they are located in the Central Zone.
ptrotter@www.reddeeradvocate.com