University Hospital Foundation Launching Online 50/50 For Festival Of Trees

With a maximum jackpot of $500,000, proceeds will support Alzheimer’s disease research at the University of Alberta

Edmonton, AB – November 30, 2020 – The University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees has gone Virtual due to COVID-19 and for the first time ever, the historic holiday celebration is adding a 50/50 Raffle with a massive jackpot – up to $500,000.

The University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees 50/50 (Licence #566022) will be available for supporters to purchase starting today, November 30 at 6 a.m. MST, until December 23 at 11:59 p.m. MST or until tickets sell out.

One lucky winner could end 2020 with some much needed cheer and a huge cash prize. The maximum jackpot is $500,000 with a guaranteed prize of $200,000. The jackpot grows with every ticket sold! There are also three bonus Early Bird draws totaling $1,500. The deadline for the first Early Bird Draw for $250 is Thursday, December 3 at 11:59 p.m. MST. The deadline for the second Early Bird Draw for $500 is Thursday, December 10 at 11:59 p.m. MST. The deadline for the third Early Bird Draw for $750 is Thursday, December 17 at 11:59 p.m.

Supporters can now purchase tickets online to be entered to win the three bonus draws and $200,000 or more.

Tickets can be purchased by individuals 18 years or older, located within Alberta’s provincial borders. All ticket sales are final and ticket buyers will receive a receipt via email a few minutes after purchasing that will list all numbers associated with the purchased tickets.

Supporters can go to uhf5050.ca and select from the following ticket pack options.

Tickets will be available as follows:

• 1 for $20 – 2,900 tickets available;
• 10 for $50 – 4,348 tickets available;
• 50 for $100 – 7,246 tickets available.

The winning ticket number will be posted on uhf5050.ca no later than 11:59 p.m. MST on December 31, 2020. The winner will be contacted by the University Hospital Foundation.

Proceeds from the 50/50 will go to the University Hospital Foundation in support of Alzheimer’s research at the University of Alberta.

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a way to restore memory in mice that develop Alzheimer’s disease. Support from the Festival of Trees will help them begin human clinical trials sooner, and move much closer to neutralizing the devastating impact of Alzheimer’s disease.

This research could impact millions of people all over the world. In Alberta alone, it is estimated that 50,000 people have Alzheimer’s, and based on recent population trends, that number is only going to increase.

Since 1985, the University Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees has served as one of the Edmonton area’s largest and most cherished holiday celebrations and has raised over $22 million for the University of Alberta Hospital, Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and Kaye Edmonton Clinic. This kick-off to the holidays brings together the community to enjoy the spirit of Christmas – all to raise money to support healthcare for Albertans. This year, the Festival of Trees event shifted to host virtual fundraising activities. These activities, including one-on-one or group video visits with Santa and story time with Mrs. Claus, are the perfect way to enjoy annual traditions and create special memories for families, and run until December 20. Visit FestivalofTrees.ca to learn more.

Past donor support has had a major impact on every area of healthcare provided at the University of Alberta Hospital site, from heart care, including providing advanced life support equipment and the cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU) at the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, to brain care, and trauma and emergency care. The University Hospital Foundation truly appreciates the incredible support for Festival of Trees from our volunteers and the community, and look forward to welcoming them back in the future.

University Hospital Foundation

The University Hospital Foundation raises and manages funds to advance patient care, research and healthcare innovation at the University of Alberta Hospital, the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute and the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, as well as research at the University of Alberta and care in the community though Alberta Health Services (AHS). For more information visit GivetoUHF.ca.