Supporting the WSO: Jennifer's winning contribution
- News
By Avi Bhatt
Last May, the WSO partnered with One Great Lottery for the launch of an exciting new initiative, bringing together participating charities across Manitoba to raise funds and spread awareness about the vital work happening throughout the province.
Since then, we’ve been moved by the support from our patrons, many of whom have chosen to back the WSO through their ticket purchases. And along the way, our supporters have also had the thrill of winning cash prizes.
Our most recent winner, Jennifer Thompson from Gimli, took home $1,598 in the March draw. A long-time concertgoer, she shared, “I’ve been attending Winnipeg Symphony concerts, both in Brandon and Winnipeg, for decades, and I decided to throw my support behind Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra.”
Like many winners, Jennifer was initially skeptical when she got the call. “I get a lot of scam calls, so when this number came up after lunch, I thought, not another one. But then I noticed it said One Great Lottery. So I picked up, and it was very pleasant news.” When asked if she expected to win, she chuckled, “No, I don’t often win anything.”
Reflecting on what keeps her coming back to the symphony, Jennifer simply said, “We just love the music.”
One of her favourite memories with the WSO is from just before the pandemic. “Oh, it’s hard to choose one, but I think it would have to be Alexei Volodin playing Rachmaninoff. It was the last symphony we attended before everything shut down, and his return was the first concert we came back to when things reopened.”
Gimli's Jennifer Thompson won $1,598 In March's One Great Lottery draw and chose to support the WSO with her ticket purchase.
Fittingly, Alexei Volodin will be returning to Winnipeg as the featured guest soloist on Opening Night of the WSO’s 2025/26 season. He’ll perform Tchaikovsky’s ravishing Piano Concerto No. 1 on Saturday September 27, and follow it with No.2 the following Sunday, September 28. Jennifer says she’s already looking forward to attending.
She plans to put her winnings toward something practical and much-needed, a new stove with a good oven.
Every ticket makes a difference. Each dollar raised helps the WSO bring the joy of music to audiences across Manitoba, from Winnipeg to Steinbach to Brandon. The support of our patrons allows us to continue offering exceptional concert experiences throughout the year.
We’re also grateful to another recent winner, who wishes to remain anonymous, for their generous contribution.
The next One Great Lottery draw is live!
Tickets are available at onegreatlottery.ca. This month’s lottery features a $200,000 Grand Prize, plus Early Bird draws with cash prizes up to $10,000. There’s also a special Mother’s Day prize with new options to choose from.
Winners can select between:
- a 5-day European Adventure in Paris, Madrid, Vienna, Prague or Rome
- a Selfcare Shopping Spree, including spa retreat, wellness gear, and beauty supplies
- a Relaxation Vacation with 4 nights in the Dominican Republic all expenses paid + $500 shopping money
- OR, take the $5,000 cash alternative
Remember to get your tickets before the first Early Bird Draw closes at 11:59 PM on Tuesday, May 6. You’ll be entered into all the Early Bird draws, the Mother’s Day Prize, and of course, the Grand Prize at the end of the month. Good luck!
Avi Bhatt (he/him) is the Communications Specialist for the WSO.
