Pallister says ‘Vax to Win’ Lottery campaign encourages Manitobans to ‘roll up sleeves’ and ‘win big’

The Manitoba government and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries are reminding residents that they still have a chance to win big in Manitoba’s first-ever Vax to Win Lottery, if they get their first vaccine shot on or before August 2.

As of July 6, government data indicates Manitoba has surpassed the August long weekend vaccination milestone nearly a month in advance. Over 78.8 percent of all Manitobans age 12 and older have received their 1st vaccination dose, with 58.8 percent fully vaccinated.

“The sooner all eligible Manitobans get fully vaccinated, the sooner we can all get our lives back,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “As a government, we have done everything we can to bolster vaccine availability and accessibility, and to give Manitobans the information and support they need to roll up their sleeve – not once, but twice – and get fully vaccinated.”

Pallister said the province is close to achieving all of its vaccination milestones and is urging “extra effort” from residents not yet vaccinated to roll up their sleeves so the province can safely and fully reopen. To meet the Labour Day vaccination milestone, 80 percent of eligible residents need to receive their first dose, while three-quarters need to be fully vaccinated.

“We’re thrilled to play a key part in this very important public health campaign,” said Manny Atwal, president and CEO of Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. “We’re protecting ourselves, our families and our communities so that we can reopen things faster.”

He added that people are getting out to receive their shots and are “excited” about a chance to win, citing the lottery campaign is not just their corporate responsibility, but their pleasure, also.

For people looking to be vaccinated right away, tomorrow all 10 vaccine supersites in the province will be offering walk-ins only, with 8,000 doses of Pfizer earmarked for youth between 12 and 17 years old. To find an immunization location or to book an appointment on a different date, visit https://protectmb.ca.

Pallister noted that up to $2 million in prizes is up for grabs, including:

• six $100,000 prizes (Winnipeg Regional Health Authority);
• eight $100,000 prizes (Southern Health–Santé-Sud, Prairie Mountain Health, Interlake-Eastern and Northern health regions); and
• 20 $25,000 scholarships (youth 12 to 17 years of age).

For the $100,000 prizes, all Manitoban residents age 18 and older are automatically entered to win the August draw, if they’ve received their first dose on or before August 2, and the September draw if they’ve received their second dose on or before September 6. Both draws will award three prizes in Winnipeg and one prize in each regional health authority.

For a $25,000 scholarship trust, all Manitoba youth aged 12 to 17 are automatically entered to win the August draw if they’ve received their first dose on or before August 2 and the September draw if they’ve received their second dose on or before September 6. Both draws will award 10 scholarships to eligible participants regardless of the regional health authority.

Atwal outlined the mechanics of the August lottery draw, stating the winners will be contacted within five days, as all vaccine data is entered into the provincial system within two to three days. If they cannot be reached after numerous attempts, that prize will be added to the September draw.

Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries will draw randomized numbers: three from Winnipeg, one from each regional health authority and 10 for youth ages 12 to 17. Numbers are provided to Manitoba Health, where they are correlated to a name and contact info.

Manitobans who may not wish to participate in the Vax to Win lottery campaign can opt-out by visiting www.vaxtowin.ca.