The winner of the Preston Street BIA’s “Catch Luigi” contest winner can’t be caught!

Local Ottawa woman Kirsty O’Donnell Hammel won the contest after her name was selected in a random draw. The BIA has been unable to contact her to award her with $5,000 worth of gift certificates to businesses in Little Italy. An alternative winner will be selected on Oct. 19 if she does not claim her prize.

“It’s such a great prize, it would be a shame if Ms. O’Donnell Hammel was unable to claim it,” said BIA executive director Lori Mellor in a press release. “We only have her e-mail address, and we’re worried she isn’t checking the account.”

O’Donnell Hammel entered the contest by submitting a photo of herself standing next to the life-size cardboard cut-out of Luigi the chef, Preston Street’s resident mascot. The Luigi contest was part of an initiative to generate public awareness about the $30 million Preston Street Revitalization Project.

The Preston Street BIA is conducting a local awareness campaign to find the lucky winner. Anyone who knows how best to reach O’Donnell Hammel is encouraged to contact the BIA.