Calgary, AB, Feb. 29, 2016 – For the first time in more than two decades, STARS’ Alberta Lottery is in danger of not selling out. The lottery has a 23-year history in the province and is the only charitable home lottery in Canada to set records by selling out every year since it began. However, our stormy economic climate has led to slumping ticket sales in the lottery’s 2016 edition.
“The reality is, STARS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and we have been for 30 years. We will continue to be here, but we need your help to make that possible,” said Andrea Robertson, president and CEO of STARS. “The lottery funds the equivalent of one STARS base, and I would like to appeal to Albertans to help STARS be there for the next patient that needs us.”
In light of the financial hardship many are facing, there has been a strong demand for smaller ticket packages. To make the lottery more affordable, some of the larger ticket sets have now been reconfigured into $25 and $60 packages.
STARS recognizes that times are tough for many, so the organization is asking its loyal supporters to find the means to support the lottery in any way they can, just like Alvin Fry did.
“I have been a supporter of the lottery for years and believe that buying tickets is a great way to show my support,” said Alvin Fry, the $25,000 winner of the 2016 loyalty draw, held earlier this year. “Winning is really exciting – it will help us out so much this year.”
Like other charities, STARS has seen a decline in individual, corporate and event fundraising in recent months and there is now an even greater need for public support.
“We recognize that this type of public appeal is unusual for STARS, but these are unusual times for everyone,” said Robertson.
STARS operates from three bases in the province of Alberta. One-third of STARS’ operating budget is funded by lottery revenue, which netted more than $11 million in 2015.
In the early days of STARS, the organization relied heavily on public support to get it off the ground. Thirty years later, the organization still counts on Albertans to keep STARS in the sky for years to come.
