Join the 50/50 Staff Lottery
Win cash, support student bursaries
This is a win-win opportunity. Have your chance to win more than $1,100 every payday while supporting student bursaries.
For only $5 per pay period, you’ll receive one entry in the bi-weekly 50/50 draw.
Choose to deduct more and you will increase the prize pool and your chances of winning.
Where does the money go?
- 50% goes to bursaries for Okanagan College students
- 50% goes into the bi-weekly prize draw
- In addition, Okanagan College matches the bi-weekly prize amount to support the Okanagan College Family Award.
Because of you, more than $29,000 was raised in 2024 to support emergency financial assistance for students.
If you are interested in joining over 285 of your colleagues who already participate, follow the instructions below to sign up or contact Dawn Douglas, ddouglas@okanagan.bc.ca, for more information.
Already participating? Consider increasing your chances of winning with more entries.
2025 Gaming Event Licence #157656
2024 Gaming Event Licence #147140
Staff Lotto FAQs
Who can participate?
- Any Okanagan College employee
- Must be 19 years or older
- Must have earned an income in the pay period being drawn
How much does it cost to participate?
- Each entry is $5 per pay period
- Employees can have more than one entry in each draw, at $5 per entry per pay
How do I sign up?
- Pick up a brochure – available from your Faculty office/Department, HR (E508, Kelowna) or the Okanagan College Foundation office (P103, Kelowna), complete the brochure and send to the Okanagan College Foundation office
How do I increase, decrease or cancel my entries?
If you wish to increase, decrease or cancel your entries in the 50/50 staff lottery, please email foundation@okanagan.bc.ca.
When are draws made?
Draws are held Payday Fridays.
How do I find out who won?
The winner is announced by email to all current participants, and posted in OC This Week.
How do I claim my prize?
If you are at the Kelowna Campus, your prize cheque will be delivered to you by a member of the Advancement team. If you are at a campus/centre outside of Kelowna, your prize cheque will be mailed to you. Please note, it takes approximately two weeks for cheques to arrive.
Is my staff lottery deduction considered a donation?
Bi-weekly payroll deductions for the staff lottery are wagers in a game of chance and do not qualify for tax receipts.
Do I need to renew each year?
Yes. Gaming rules require us to receive written consent from participants to remain in the lottery for the next calendar year. If consent is not received, you will be removed from the lottery program for the first pay of the next calendar year.
What is the Okanagan College Family Award?
It is an award fund available to current Okanagan College students who are immediate family members of Okanagan College employees. The award is presented 3 times each year to eligible students who apply.
Who can I contact if I need more information?
Our staff lottery coordinator is Dawn Douglas, ddouglas@okanagan.bc.ca / Local 4774.
Give to Emergency Bursaries
If you are unable to participate in the Staff Lottery based on your position or choose not to participate, you can still support the campaign and student emergency bursaries. You can donate online and choose "Student Emergency Bursary Fund."
OC Family Award
Every payday, Okanagan College’s 50/50 Staff Lottery contributes funds to go towards an Okanagan College Family Award. In addition, Okanagan College matches the bi-weekly prize amount to support the award, which is open to an immediate family member of a continuing (regular) Okanagan College employee.
Since 2005, more than $323,000 has been awarded to family members of Okanagan College employees. The award is presented three times annually.