Townhall Brands recently brought a group of us food writers and influencers together for an evening of wine, camaraderie and charcuterie by The Lazy Gourmet. It was lovely to catch up, share a glass and spend time with people who care about food and the people who make it happen.
Before I was writing about restaurants, I spent years working in them. I worked in the kitchen, hosted, bartended, served tables and eventually managed the front of the house. I know firsthand how hard this work is. You spend hours on your feet, juggle competing demands and try to make every guest feel welcome, even when you are exhausted. Hospitality takes patience, stamina, and more skill than people sometimes realize.
That experience is why the Spirit of Hospitality Lottery is close to my heart. A health crisis can take someone away from work while the bills keep coming. The BC Hospitality Foundation helps hospitality and tourism workers facing financial hardship because of a health condition affecting them or an immediate family member. Having that support when you need it can make an enormous difference.
This year, the Foundation is celebrating its 20th anniversary with its eighth annual lottery. The lottery offers 20 prize packages worth more than $35,000, with tickets starting at $5. The goal is to raise $100,000 to help workers and their families through difficult times.
What Can You Win in the Spirit of Hospitality Lottery?
If you have been dreaming about a few nights in Tofino or a wine country getaway, there is plenty here to tempt you. This year’s lineup includes three Early Bird draws and 17 grand prize packages, donated by hospitality and tourism businesses.
Here are some of the prizes:
- The Ultimate Rocky Mountain Adventure: A two-day Rocky Mountaineer journey for two, plus a two-night stay at The Westin Calgary.
- A Kelowna Experience: A stay at The Royal Kelowna, a West Kelowna wine tour and a private Kelowna Yacht Club boating experience.
- Victoria by Air & Sea: Helijet flights, a two-night stay at Inn at Laurel Point, admission to The Butchart Gardens and dining at Blue Crab Seafood House.
- The Ultimate Tofino Escape: A three-night stay at the Wickaninnish Inn.
- Luxury Wine Country Retreat: A two-night stay at Spirit Ridge and a VIP experience at Hester Creek Estate Winery.
- Vancouver Island Golf & Coastal Getaway: Stays at Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort and Crown Isle Resort.
- Penticton Lakeside Escape: A two-night stay at Penticton Lakeside Resort, an experience at Evolve Sparkling House and dining at Kin & Folk.
Additional packages feature experiences in Vancouver, Whistler, Tofino, Vancouver Island and the Okanagan. There are hotel stays, dining experiences, golf retreats and outdoor adventures to look forward to.
Purchase Spirit of Hospitality Lottery tickets here.
Helping the People Who Take Care of Us
When I visit a restaurant now, I still notice the work happening around me. The host keeping track of tables. The server watching for the right moment to check in. The kitchen getting food out while another round of orders comes through. I remember being on the other side of that experience, and I know how much effort goes into making an evening feel easy for everyone else.
When someone doing that work becomes ill, or needs to care for a family member, financial pressure can arrive quickly. Rent and groceries do not wait until life settles down.
Over the past 20 years, the BC Hospitality Foundation has provided more than $1.28 million in financial assistance to 340 hospitality and tourism workers and their families. The registered charity offers help quickly, confidentially and with compassion throughout British Columbia.
Executive director Alana Dickson explains that the lottery celebrates the industry while supporting the workers who welcome guests and serve their communities. This year’s $100,000 fundraising goal will help the Foundation continue providing assistance when a personal or family health challenge creates financial hardship.
Having worked in hospitality myself, I am grateful that this help exists. These are people whose work I know and respect.
Ticket Prices and Draw Dates
Tickets for the 2026 Spirit of Hospitality Lottery are available through November 4, 2026.
Choose from the following ticket options:
- 1 ticket for $5
- 3 tickets for $10
- 7 tickets for $20
- 20 tickets for $50
Keep these dates handy:
- Lottery opens: September 23, 2026
- Early Bird Draw 1: October 14 at noon
- Early Bird Draw 2: October 21 at noon
- Early Bird Draw 3: October 28 at noon
- Ticket sales close: November 4, 2026
- Final draw: November 5 at noon
The lottery is presented by the Hotel Association of Vancouver, with regional support from Castanet, the campaign’s official media partner.
Gaming Event Licence #175507.
A Small Way to Support BC Hospitality Workers
I would happily pack a bag for any of these getaways. But my reason for sharing this lottery goes back to those years spent working in restaurants, and knowing how demanding the job can be even when life is going well.
I am glad Townhall Brands brought us together to help get the word out. An evening of wine, charcuterie and good conversation gave us a chance to learn more about the Foundation’s work and share it with our readers.
If you would like to support the cause, tickets start at $5. You could win a wonderful trip or meal while helping fund assistance for a hospitality worker facing a difficult time.
Purchase your Spirit of Hospitality Lottery tickets.
To learn more about the charity and its work, visit the BC Hospitality Foundation website.
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