SUDBURY -- Fern Portelance of Chapleau has won the $253,575 jackpot in the Sault Area Hospital Foundation’s electronic and online 50/50 draw. His lucky number was drawn electronically Oct. 30 at 11 a.m., and he was contacted immediately.

In a news release Tuesday, the hospital said Portelance grew up in Sault Ste. Marie and moved to Chapleau to pursue a career and grow his family.

“I’m now retired and enjoying life," he said. "I support Sault Area Hospital because it’s still our hospital. My family has received care here, and it’s where we will go when we are in need in the future … I never thought I’d win!”

Portelance received the news while finishing brunch with close family at home.

“It was the perfect setting, we shared the excitement," he said. "I’m a retired father and, although my wife and I have some dreams we’d like to fulfill when COVID goes away, we’re going to help our children out first.”

Add excitement to his retirement

“My wife has always wanted to go to Hawaii, so when it’s safe, we’ll be enjoying those beaches. I’ve always wanted to go up against the best at the World Series of Poker, and this is going to help add some real excitement to my retirement.”

Portelance’s prize represents the second month in a row with a jackpot more than $250,000. Since Portelance won $253,575, Sault Area Hospital Foundation also keeps $253,575.

From these proceeds, expenses to conduct and promote the draw are paid and the remainder is put towards purchasing medical equipment needed at Sault Area Hospital.

“The October draw has marked the end of our first year running monthly 50/50 draws – and what an exciting year it’s been,” Teresa Martone, executive director of the Sault Area Hospital Foundation, said in the release.

“It’s been wonderful to see the community rally around these draws, supporting our hospital. In the past 12 months, we’ve raised over $1 million with 50/50. That will go a long way toward the $5 million in medical equipment our hospital needs each year – helping deliver outstanding care, close to home.”

Tickets for SAHF’s November’s 50/50 draw are on sale, and the grand prize grows with every purchase. Early bird draws called ‘$1,000 Thursdays’ continue this month, with the first draw on Nov. 5. Each early bird prize includes $500 cash and two $250 gift cards supporting local businesses. This month’s early bird prizes include:

- Early Bird Draw No. 1 – Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. Prizes are $500 cash, a $250 Subway gift card and a $250 Shopper’s gift card.

- Early Bird Draw No. 2 – Nov. 12 at 11 a.m. Prizes are $500 cash, $250 Northside Auto Group gift card and $250 49th Apparel gift card.

- Early Bird Draw No. 3 – Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. Prizes are $500 cash, $250 Velorution gift card and a $250 Big Lake Cabin gift card.

- Early Bird Draw No. 4 – Nov. 26 at 11 a.m. Prizes are $500 cash, $250 Outspoken Brewery gift card and a $250 Jade Wellness gift card.

Tickets are available for purchase until Nov. 29 at 9 p.m., and the grand prize draw will take place on Nov. 30 at 11 a.m.

The 50/50 tickets can be purchased by anyone 18 and older in Ontario at www.soo5050.ca.