SUDBURY -- Officials at Health Sciences North’s foundations and volunteer groups have launched a new 50/50 cash lottery to help the hospital buy much-need medical equipment.

Half of the prize money goes to the winner while the other half goes to HSN.

Anthony Keating is HSN’s president and chief development officer of foundations and volunteer groups.

“We did our research throughout hospital foundations in Ontario and the lotteries have done incredibly well,” said Keating. “So we thought, let’s give it a try and see how successful it can be in northeastern Ontario.”

The first draw for the 50/50 draw is July 2, with prize money for the first jackpot set at $5,000.