Huge Health Sciences North Foundation lottery jackpot won by Redbridge, Ont. family

Haley Belecque from Redbridge, Ont., a small community just northeast of North Bay, won Health Sciences North Foundation's record-breaking 50/50 lottery draw for December. (Supplied)

The Health Sciences North Foundation (HSNF) announced the winner of its record-breaking 50/50 lottery draw for December.

The December jackpot was almost $1.6 million.

Haley Belecque from Redbridge, Ont., a small community just northeast of North Bay won the record amount of $1,595,408.

Haley was joined in Sudbury Friday afternoon by her young family, including her husband Michel and her children Rowan and Briar.

The family braved the foggy conditions to make the 150 kilometre drive to Health Sciences North (HSN) to be presented with their winnings.

 

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“When I got the call this morning, my first thought was utter disbelief. It’s so overwhelming and we’re just so grateful,” said Haley.

Haley said she and Michel have been buying tickets in the draw for months.

Some extended family members thought they were joking about the big win the couple said.

Both Haley’s father and sister were and required hospital care for that request she said the family buys tickets in both North Bay and Sudbury’s hospital lotteries to support the centres that cared for them.

The family shared that both hospitals have provided their loved ones with astounding care.

“Coming to HSN to meet the foundations and take photos hits close to home," Haley said.

"Eighteen years ago my dad underwent surgery and treatment for a brain tumour here and over the last year my sister spent some time at HSN with a brain tumour as well. Any time we’ve been here, the amazing staff, everyone is just absolutely outstanding.”

Michel said they had not yet discussed what to do with their winnings; however, their daughter, Briar said she wants to buy a new cat.

“We have no idea what we would spend this kind of money on, but we’re looking to the future," the family said,in a Facebook post by the foundation.

"We have a big family and there’s just so much opportunity and possibility. We’re going to share and look out for each other and our community and I feel like that’s just part of being in the north."

The family said they are going to continue to buy tickets in the draw hoping 'lighting will strike twice.'

Anthony Keating, president and chief development officer of foundations and volunteer groups at HSN, said he was not surprised by the out-of-town winner because HSN is actually a regional hospital.

Keating added it is amazing to see the jackpot prize steadily rise with each draw.

“We are thrilled that each of them will be able to make some dreams come true with their winnings,” Keating said in previous news releases.

“We are also grateful that the 50/50 continues to support patient care through the priority needs of Health Sciences North … we thank our community and beyond for the continued support of the HSN 50/50."

Keating explains the funds raised will make a difference in the lives of those living with cancer, how the tiniest patients receive specialized pediatric care and ensuring equipment is in place when needed.

Keaton added that many Ontario residents believe the provincial government provides all the funding for hospital capital costs and new equipment, which is not the case.

Since it began the lottery has raised over $14.5 million dollars to support the highest-priority needs of the community.

The January HSN 50/50 draw is live at www.hsn5050.ca and the jackpot is already more than $35,000. Click here for more information.

Tickets for the January draw are available to purchase right now, with sales ending at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 31. The jackpot-winning ticket will be drawn Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.