From the archives: Thing Big! Win Big!

Oct 28, 2021 - 3 years ago

As part of our 50th anniversary celebration, we are reprinting some interesting articles from issues past. This article first appeared in Supply Post Newspaper, July/August 1995 issue.

It’s time for Vancouver Community College Educational Foundation’s annual Truck Lottery. And this year’s grand prize is better than ever!

From the archives: Thing Big! Win Big! — *Tor Bengtson Photography*

Worth $120,000, the grand prize is a top of the line, custom made 1996 Western Star Truck (4964F). “This project inspired our best detail painters in the Kelowna plant,” says Dave Polack, President of Orion Western Star, the dealership through which the Foundation has purchased the truck. “they have used all their creative talent and selected a pearlized purple base with a unique splash design. This truck will look hot going down the highway.”

As well as having a one-of-a-kind paint job, this truck will be loaded with all the bells and whistles. It comes equipped with a Caterpillar 435hp electronic engine (with a five-year extended warranty), Rockwell transmission, clutch, rear axles, brake system and air dryer, Cat computerized dash display, Michelin tires and Magnum aluminum cab guard and half fenders. As an added bonus, BC Tel Mobility is installing a phone with all fees paid for one year, including free air time. All this could be yours with a purchase of a $100 ticket.

Lottery ticket buyers consider the odds among the best in B.C., with only 2,500 tickets available. That’s a far cry from other car, home or condo lotteries, which sell as much as 90,000 tickets!

The lottery started six years ago in response to the trucking industry’s interest in being involved in post secondary education and has a faithful following which gains momentum each year. “Calls start coming in January inquiring about when the lottery is going to begin,” says Veronika Metchie, Project Coordinator for this year’s lottery. “We have created a very loyal following. Truckers far and near purchase tickets because they love the great odds.”

Lilli Milder, President of VCC Educational Foundation, added, “We are fortunate to have such notable companies as Caterpillar, Finning Ltd., Rockwell International, Michelin Tires, Magnum Trailers and BC Tel Mobility participate in this event. And our friends at Western Star and Orion Western Star have been very supportive of this fundraiser over the past three years. They realize the students who have benefitted from this project could be working on their trucks soon” Proceeds from past truck lotteries have been used to purchase much needed, up-to-date equipment for diesel technician students at Vancouver Community College. Over $357,000 has been raised for V.C.C. Students with one-third going directly to the Diesel Technician program. Last year’s lottery alone generated more than $77,000.

Previous ticket buyers have used their winnings in a variety of ways. Leo Hackl of Aldergrove, B.C. was completely speechless when he learned he was last year’s winner. Since he had just purchased a Western Star truck the year before, he sold his new truck and now drives free and clear. A group of ten people from Vancouver won 1993’s grand prize. They couldn’t all fit into the cab at once, so decided to sell the truck and pocket a tidy sum in time for Christmas festivities. Hubert Wiesner, from Winnipeg, Manitoba kept his truck and winners from 1991 and 1990 were groups from Houston, B.C. and Burnaby, B.C. who sold their prize and put their winnings to good use.

As well as great odds, the custom-designed truck lottery offers two early-bird draws of $250 each and second and third prizes of $1,000 and $500 respectively. A total of five chances to win big!

This article first appeared in Supply Post Newspaper, July/August 1995 issue.