Vankleek Hill resident wins Canadian Cancer Society Lottery

A town resident took home the grand prize of the ninth Canadian Cancer Society Lottery in Ontario last week, one of three lucky winners in the five Eastern Counties.

"I was surprised," laughed Roger Duval, of Vankleek Hill, who won $100,000 in the lottery.

Duval said besides the lottery, things are "business as usual."

Nancy Hutchings of Long Sault won $50,000 in the early-bird draw and William Thurgood has the choice of a new Volkswagen Passat CC or Ford Escape Hybrid.

"Congratulations to our winners and thank you to everyone who bought a ticket in this year's lottery," said Carolyn Bourassa, unit manager of the S.D.G. and Prescott-Russell Unit of the Canadian Cancer Society. "Your support means more funding for promising cancer research, which will lead to better prevention, early detection, treatment and cancer care."

The local winners have been long time buyers of Canadian Cancer Society Lottery tickets, and have family members who have been touched by cancer.  "It is our way of fighting back," said Thurgood. "Hopefully the funds generated through the lottery will make a difference."

Since 2001, the Canadian Cancer Society Lottery has raised more than $30 million for cancer research.

To learn more about the Society or cancer research, visit www.cancer.ca or call the bilingual Cancer Information Service at 1 888 939-3333.