THUNDER BAY – When the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation launched its inaugural 50/50 draw, president and CEO Glen Craig was quietly hoping to see the grand prize top $100,000.
With four weeks left before the Feb. 26 grand prize date, not only has it topped six figures, it’s more than doubled it.
Craig isn’t sure how high it might go before the winning number is drawn. As of Thursday morning, the jackpot stands at slightly more than $210,000, a $79,000 increase over Tuesday morning’s total.
“I’m a bit surprised, but I’m also not surprised,” Craig said on Thursday morning.
“I’m surprised it’s gone up so quickly, but I also know Thunder Bay is a really great community and would really support an initiative like this.”
Asked to guess what the final total might be, Craig said the sky’s the limit.
“If it keeps growing at this velocity, $300,000, $400,000 could be the jackpot, which is a huge amount of money, not only for the winner, but also for the hospital. That will have significant impact for what we can buy for the hospital. That’s real money.”
Given the slowdown in fundraising events over the past year, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also money is much needed, Craig said.
Normally the hospital foundation holds a number of events throughout the year to contribute to the fundraising committee, but since the pandemic began, most were either cancelled or had to be held virtually.
Giving to charitable organizations is down across the board, with lockdowns shutting businesses and leaving people out of work and unable to donate.
The hospital still has to function, budgets are tight and equipment continually needs to be upgraded or replaced.
“This money will be going toward our capital list to help purchase medical equipment. We’ll fund the ultrasounds, the stretchers – all the type of equipment that’s used all across the facility here, to really give the tools that our medical professionals need to do their jobs,” Craig said.
Tickets are available exclusively online at www.thunderbay5050.ca and are $10 for five numbers, $20 for 30 and $50 for 150.
Ticket buyers must be physically in Ontario at the time of purchase.
The first early-bird draw, for $500, will be held on Friday.
