Dream home winner moving back to Sudbury

Catherine Murray has a big decision to make — move into a brand new home or take the money and run.

The winner of the ninth annual Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) Ultimate Dream Home Draw said she hasn't decided yet whether to move into the home — valued at $470,000 — or take the cash option of $300,000. Both options include all the furniture within the home — more than $55,000 worth — as well as a 2010 Chevrolet Aveo.

“I really love the house,” Murray said, as she toured through the home on Nova Drive, beaming from ear-to-ear.

After living in Sudbury for their entire married life, Murray and her husband packed their bags for Sault Ste. Marie two years ago in a work-related move. Just recently, the couple — who has two children, ages 17 and 22 — has decided to move back to the nickel city.

While Murray's husband remains in the Sault, waiting for the family home to sell, Catherine has been sharing a roof with her mother-in-law, here in Sudbury.

The Murrays have 30 days to make the decision.

Kim Scott, executive director of the CHHA, Sudbury branch said about 56,000 tickets were sold for this year's draw, on par with the draws for the last two years.

“I think it's exceptional, considering the current economy,” she added.

The Ultimate Dream Home raffle is the main fundraiser for the CHHA, which is a not-for-profit organization. Funds from the raffle — close to $400,000 this year — are used to support the CHHA's programs and services, including the Hear Now! Fund, which was created to help families whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from purchasing hearing aids.

To date, the CHHA, Sudbury branch, has helped hundreds of people throughout northeastern Ontario.

The Ultimate Dream Home Raffle winners:

1 – Catherine Murray, Sudbury
2 - Don Hughes, Capreol
3 – Tim rudiger, Azilda
4 – Darryl Salo, Sudbury
5 – Audrey Smith, Sudbury
6 – R. Michaud, Hanmer
7 – Chris Levesque, Sudbury
8 – Chad MacDermid, Trout Creek
9 – Ronald Lalonde, Sudbury
10 – Sherry Carrier, Garson
11 – John McIntyre, Sudbury