Belleville man wins Car4Cancer Lotto draw

Someone’s Christmas got a whole lot better Wednesday morning as the Belleville General Hospital Foundation’s Car4Cancer lottery winner was drawn. Larry Shannon of Belleville was the lucky winner of a brand new Cadillac CT4 Sport, valued at almost $50,000.

The raffle was held in support of the Dr. Douglas A. MacIntosh Cancer Clinic at Quinte Health Center, QHC, Belleville General Hospital which supports cancer treatment patients with access to cutting edge treatments. The campaign saw $120,000 raised for the clinic with a net profit of $100,000 for QHC Belleville.

“We wanted a good, solid, fundraiser that we thought the community would get behind – and they have, they have been absolutely incredible,” said Steve Cook, Executive Director for the Belleville General Hospital Foundation, BGHF. “Between 6,000 and 6,500 tickets have gone into that drum today. It’s been a phenomenal response not just locally but right across the province.”

The initiative first began in the summer and, despite restrictions from the pandemic, was able to reach ticket holders from contestants as far as Dryden, Ontario. Other contestants were a bit closer to home at Hamilton and Kingston. For Cole Allinger, General Manager for Peter Smith Chev Cadillac, providing the vehicle was just a small way to give back to the community.

“It’s a great feeling to be able to support the community and the great work they do at Belleville General Hospital and the foundation,” said Allinger. “We want to give back and help the people who live here.”

Helping Allinger pick the winner was Vicki Smith, former Owner of the dealership alongside her late husband Peter Smith. Vicki noted that the hospital was always important to her and Peter, being so integral to the community.

“The hospital was really important to Peter, he was on the board for a few years,” said Vicki. “It’s the foundation for any community to have health care.”

While Shannon has driven off with his winnings, those looking for their own free ride can still have a chance. The success of the Car4Cancer lottery has prompted BGHF to plan biannual raffles.

“For our sustainability as a foundation, we’re going to have two of these a year,” explained Cook. “In the spring, you’ll see us launch a ‘Camp4Cancer.’ We’re just in negotiations at the moment now to get a trailer or some sort of RV.”

“So two a year, one in the spring and one in the winter,” continued Cook. “Then we’ll have two lucky people in the community with some great prizes.”