SUDBURY -- Fundraising 50/50 draws at hospitals in Timmins, Sault Ste. Marie and Greater Sudbury are proving to be popular, with all recent winners taking home more than $200,000.
The biggest prize was the Nov. 30 draw at Sault Area Hospital Foundation, which netted the winner, Robin Reid of Churchill, Ont., $238,327.50.
Reid grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, and was home visiting her parents when she bought her ticket.
“It was actually my dad that convinced me to buy a ticket, I’m glad I listened to him!” she said in a news release. “My family has gotten care at that hospital, and I knew it was a good cause… but I had no idea how much I could win. I’m still in shock.”
Robin said she'll put her winnings toward a new home she’s been shopping for, an education fund for her son, and some investments.
Tickets for SAHF’s December 50/50 draw are already on sale. For details and to purchase a ticket, click here.
Seven winners in Timmins
The 50/50 draw at the Timmins Area Hospital Foundation, meanwhile, was held Nov. 27 and netted the winners $232,062.
There were seven people sharing the top prize – Mark Pasi, Victor Helin, John Mavrinac, Eric Saudino, Aaron Powers, Ryan Verreault and Brandon Papple – all members of a Timmins Fire Department platoon.
“When we saw the jackpot growing we decided to buy as a group," Pasi said in a news release. "We’ve been playing since the very beginning. As first responders, we have made many trips into the hospital while at work. We have always been treated very well by all staff at the hospital and figured this lottery was a win-win!"
December ticket sales are now open. Click here to buy tickets and find out the size of the December jackpot. Tickets are be available for purchase until Dec. 30 at 11:59 p.m.
Nurses win big
And at Health Sciences North in Greater Sudbury, a record $201,525 prize went to nurses Cassandra Dubois and Amanda St-Denis.
“I had just gotten off night shift and was supposed to be in bed when I got the phone call and was shocked," Dubois said in a news release. "I called Amanda right away. We’re both just so excited.”
“It was pretty tough to sleep after that,” said St-Denis. “I’m running off of pure adrenaline right now.”
The two nurses purchased their tickets to celebrate changes in their jobs. In the same week, Dubois' position became permanent and St-Denis' part-time position became full-time.
The December draw, live at www.hsn5050.ca, includes the 12 Days of WINNING. Leading up to the Holiday season, early ticket purchasers are entered to win 12 early bird prizes in addition to the grand prize jackpot.
