Twelve Geraldton Workers Share $432,700 Lottery Jackpot

A group of twelve coworkers from Geraldton has made headlines by winning a substantial lottery prize in the Sudbury Health Sciences North Foundation’s (HSN) 50/50 cash lottery. This August jackpot amounts to an impressive $432,700. Among the fortunate winners is Joel Letourneau, who works at Equinox Gold.

Letourneau expressed his disbelief upon receiving the news, saying, “The guys are never going to believe this. We’ve been buying tickets for a couple of years now. They’re all going to think I’m messing with them.” The excitement of their win, however, prevented the group from participating in the traditional winner’s photo opportunity, as they were at work during the announcement.

The proceeds from the HSN 50/50 lottery play a vital role in supporting healthcare initiatives in the region. Funds raised contribute to the purchase of essential medical equipment, advancements in medical research, and addressing the future healthcare needs of residents in Northeastern Ontario. Notably, $2.3 million from previous lottery proceeds facilitated the opening of HSN’s Acute Reactivation Care Centre (ARCC). This 52-bed facility aims to provide specialized care for older adults, promoting quicker recovery times and reducing hospital stays.

Dr. Jo-Anne Clarke, Medical Director for the Northeast Specialized Geriatric Centre, highlighted the importance of the ARCC. “The population of older adults in Northeastern Ontario is expected to grow in the coming years. The ARCC is crucial in helping to provide the best care to older adults while making sure they can get back on their feet and back into the community instead of remaining in hospital,” she stated.

As the September lottery approaches, excitement is building for the next draw, which could change the fortunes of several participants. This month’s draw will include not just the grand prize but also three early bird prizes of $10,000 each. The first early bird draw deadline is September 11, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. for the September 12 draw.

Ticket sales for the September draw are currently open, with all sales closing at 11:59 p.m. on September 25, 2023. The grand prize winning ticket will be drawn on September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. and results will be available online at www.hsn5050.ca.

The lottery serves as a unique opportunity for residents across Ontario aged 18 and over to contribute to local healthcare initiatives while having a chance to win significant cash prizes. Each month, half of the total ticket sales support critical medical advancements, while the other half rewards a single lucky winner. As ticket purchases continue to grow, so too does the jackpot, promising an exciting future for both healthcare and hopeful participants.