Almost halfway to a sellout, organizers of the Prince George Hospice Society house lottery are confident all 8,500 tickets in their biggest fundraiser of the year will be sold before the Oct. 29 deadline.
Just 10 weeks remain before a lucky ticket-holder will be handed the keys to a 2,400-square-foot energy-efficient home at 7416 Creekside Way, worth $440,000.
"We're just a little below 50 per cent sold, just shy of 4,000, and I still project we'll sell out long before the draw date," said Dianne Sears, the society's fundraising and marketing officer.
"People are super-excited and they love the house. They say it's the best show home/dream home that's ever been. Everybody loves the kitchen, I think it's absolutely amazing."
The back entrance had a unique storage area and the custom-built living room fireplace is one of the highlights of the home. The sliding barn door that closes off the kitchen from the dining room is one of the home's conversation pieces.
Built by RISE Construction of Prince George, the house is located in the Creekside Properties subdivision at the end of Malaspina Avenue in College Heights.
Proceeds will be used to fund the Prince George Hospice House, which provides palliative and respite care for area residents. More than 30 per cent of the hospice society's annual budget depends on fund-raising initiatives. This is the second year the society has had a house lottery.
"We are super-proud of the house and to be part of the whole thing," said RISE Construction owner Marnie Martin. "Hospice is an amazing charity and hopefully the tickets sell out to get them as much money as possible."
Three more early-bird prizes will be made, including an ATV and trailer to be drawn Sept. 4, and a Beachcomber hot tub draw on Sept. 18.
Tickets are $100 each, available at the house, Canadian Tire, Prince George Hospice Society, Hart Drugs pharmacy, Northern Hardware, and, beginning next week, Real Canadian SuperStore and Pine Centre Mall. Tickets can also be purchased by phone at 1-866-419-7604.
The house is open daily for tours from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
