Subash Shrestha of Red Deer is $16,862 richer after being named the winner of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools’ The Life Chances 50/50 Lottery. Subash and his family are new to Red Deer, recently relocating from Nepal. They have one child who attends elementary school in Red Deer Public.

“It feels great to win something, because I have never won anything in my life!” said Subash. “We supported the Foundation because we have a child, and we thought someone needs help more than us.”

The Life Chances 50/50 Lottery was launched earlier this fall. More than 15,300 tickets were sold totalling $33,725.

“From giving kids a Bright Start to school to reconnecting with students so they graduate and cross the Finish Line, the Foundation helps students who face challenges in school and makes things better,” said Kristine Plastow, Chair of the Foundation for Red Deer Public Schools. “We motivate struggling students and inspire them to read and write through Reading College. For students who come to school without basic needs, we give them that needed Step Up.”

More than 70 students have benefited from the Foundation’s Bright Start program, setting them up for success as they enter Kindergarten, while 500 students have increased their reading and writing skills through Reading College. Another 500 students have graduated, who otherwise wouldn’t have due to various barriers in their lives, through the Foundation’s Finish Line program.

“All of these programs make a real difference in the lives of kids and help them reach their full potential,” said Plastow. “The LIFE CHANCES 50/50 LOTTERY gives much needed funds that will continue to make a difference in the lives of kids. Thank you to everyone who purchased tickets and supported the Foundation.”