When she received a text from her boss, Michelle Bjork, a Team Lead in the Trade and International Engagement Division with the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade never expected it to be that she had just won the $1,000 Early Bird Prize in the Federated Health Lottery!
“I’ve never won money before—it was a big surprise!” says Michelle, still beaming from the unexpected win. “Lottery tickets are just $5 each, and knowing the money goes to a good cause, I figured why not? Somebody has to win, so why not me?!”
For Michelle, participating in the Federated Health Lottery has always been about more than the chance to win one of the cash prizes. “I buy these lottery tickets every year because it’s for a good cause, not because I ever thought I would win,” she explained. Her commitment to giving runs deep—she contributes through payroll deductions to both Federated Health and United Way and donates monthly to other charities outside of government.
“I never feel pressure with Fed Health. I get to choose the charities. I get to choose how much I give each pay. Whether it’s the lottery tickets, or the payroll deductions, or an event—it’s all going to a good cause.”
That spirit of giving extends beyond payroll. She recently baked a carrot cake for a Federated Health fundraiser bake sale. “My daughter said, ‘How come I don’t get a piece?’ So I went and bought a slice back from the bake sale and brought it home for her!”
What makes Federated Health special to Michelle is the personal connection. “The Federated Health Charities support health challenges that people we know have, or that we might have at some point in our lives. With Federated Health, the 21 health charities are nicely bundled, and I feel good about giving to them all.”
Michelle doesn’t miss the money she spends to purchase her Federated Health Lottery tickets, and she doesn’t miss the money she donates each pay. Says Michelle, “I don’t know why more people don’t give. The money goes to such great causes, and we all spend frivolous money on things we really don’t need. I feel better giving it to a good cause.” “
As for the prize money? Michelle tells us it’s going toward something truly meaningful. “My eldest is going to study at university in Paris in September, and I’m going to join her and help get her set up—that money I won in the Federated Health Early Bird Draw is my plane ticket!”
From carrot cake to charitable causes, and now a trip to Paris, Michelle’s story is a heartwarming reminder that giving back can sometimes bring unexpected rewards.
Buy your Federated Health Charities Lottery tickets today for the final Grand Prize Draws of $15,000, $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000, happening at our 2025 Campaign Wrap-Up Event on June 26.
Good luck—and thank you for supporting Federated Health!
