Supporting the WSO: Christine’s winning contribution

In November, the WSO participated in Program 2 of the One Great Lottery campaign, raising over $390,000 in funds—half of which was distributed in prizes to lucky ticket-buyers.

One of the winners, WSO patron Christine Skene, won $3,933.15 and chose to support the WSO with her ticket purchase. Read about Christine’s thoughts on winning and why she believes initiatives like this are vital for both the WSO and our community.

Avi: Hi Christine, can you start by telling me a little about yourself?

Christine: Sure. I’m retired now, but I was a business owner for many years. My background was in sales and marketing, and I ran an interior landscape contracting business. Basically, we took care of plants—maintenance, care, the works. At one point, we even handled the plants at the Concert Hall.

Avi: And do you miss it?

Christine: I miss working and the people I worked with, but I really enjoy the freedom I have now. That said, I did enjoy the work while I was in it.

Avi: What led you to buy a One Great Lottery ticket?

Christine: My husband and I like to support arts organizations and social agencies in the city, and the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra is one of our regulars. I even volunteered on the fundraising committee for a few years, which gave me the chance to connect with the people there. I also knew Alexander Mickelthwate, the former Music Director, during his time at the WSO. I guess I’ve got a soft spot for all things Symphony.

Avi: Would you say it’s your favourite arts organization? (laughs)

Christine: It’s definitely one of them!

Avi: How does it feel to win?

Christine: It’s surreal! I’d been meaning to buy the ticket, but I kept putting it off. On the last day, I started the purchase, but my Apple Pay wasn’t working, and I got distracted. I thought, “Oh well, I guess it wasn’t meant to be.” Then, later that evening, I got an email saying, “Do you want to finish this transaction?” And it said there were four minutes left before the draw closed! I thought, “Alright, let’s try this again,” and finished it just in time.

Avi: I guess it was meant to be!

Christine: It seems like it.

Avi: How did your family react when they heard the news?

Christine: Honestly, when you first called me, I thought you might be a scammer! (laughs) But when it clicked, I was thrilled. I texted my kids right away. They weren’t surprised, though—apparently, I have a reputation for winning things. But I always say, it’s not luck; it’s because I buy lots of tickets!

Avi: I might need to try that strategy! Do you know what you are going to do with your winnings?

Christine: I’m sharing it with my family—my husband, my three sons, and their families. Everyone’s getting a little deposit in their account. I’ll keep a small amount for myself to do something special, though I haven’t decided what yet.

Avi: That’s very generous. Speaking of the WSO, do you have any special memories connected to it?

Christine: I loved working with the committee members during my time volunteering. My husband and I also have a cottage in Kenora, so we’d attend the WSO’s concerts at the lake in June. That’s how we got to know Alexander Mickelthwate. We’d buy a table, invite friends, and make an event out of it.

Avi: Any favourite composers or pieces?

Christine: Not really—I just know what I enjoy when I hear it. I don’t have a musical background, so I can’t claim to be an aficionado.

Avi: That’s the best way to enjoy it. If it speaks to you, that’s what matters.

Christine: Exactly!

Avi: For someone on the fence about buying a One Great Lottery ticket, what would you say?

Christine: It’s an easy way to support local organizations. You don’t have to spend a fortune—buy whatever fits your budget. And the money always goes to worthy causes in our community. It creates moments of excitement for the winners and helps to raise funds to help sustain the arts. We need these resources to keep programs and performances thriving.

Thank you for supporting the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, Christine!

Avi Bhatt (he/him) is the Communications Specialist for the WSO.