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SAULT STE. MARIE, ON (November 3rd, 2020) – On October 30th at 11 am, Fern Portelance of Chapleau, ON, won the $253,575 jackpot in the Sault Area Hospital Foundation’s (SAHF) October electronic and online 50/50 draw. His lucky number (L-5857511) was drawn electronically, and he was contacted immediately.

Fern grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, and moved to Chapleau to pursue a lifelong career and grow his family. “I’m now retired and enjoying life. I support Sault Area Hospital because it’s still our hospital. My family has received care here, and it’s where we will go when we are in need in the future,” said Fern. “When I saw how incredible the SAHF 50/50 was doing, I wanted to support and be part of the excitement. I never thought I’d win!”

Fern received the news while finishing up a brunch with close family at home. “It was the perfect setting, we shared the excitement. I’m a retired father and, although my wife and I have some dreams we’d like to fulfill when COVID goes away, we’re going to help our children out first,” Fern explained. “My wife has always wanted to go to Hawaii, so when it’s safe, we’ll be enjoying those beaches. I’ve always wanted to go up against the best at the World Series of Poker, and this is going to help add some real excitement to my retirement.”

Fern’s prize represents the second month in a row with a jackpot over $250,000. Since Fern has won $253,575, Sault Area Hospital Foundation also keeps $253,575. From these proceeds, expenses to conduct and promote the draw are paid and the remainder is put towards purchasing medical equipment needed at Sault Area Hospital.

“The October draw has marked the end of our first year running monthly 50/50 draws – and what an exciting year it’s been,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director, Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “It’s been wonderful to see the community rally around these draws, supporting our hospital. In the past 12 months, we’ve raised over $1 million with 50/50. That will go a long way toward the $5 million in medical equipment our hospital needs each year – helping deliver outstanding care, close to home.”

Tickets for SAHF’s November’s 50/50 draw are already on sale, and the grand prize grows with every purchase. ‘$1,000 Thursdays’ early bird draws continue this month, with the first draw on November 5th – so get your tickets now! Each early bird prize includes $500 cash and two $250 gift cards supporting local businesses. This month’s early bird prizes include:
” Early Bird Draw #1 – November 5 at 11am
Prize ($1,000 value) – $500 Cash + $250 Subway Gift Card + $250 Shopper’s Gift Card
” Early Bird Draw #2 – November 12 at 11am
Prize ($1,000 value) – $500 Cash + $250 Northside Auto Group Gift Card + $250 49th Apparel Gift Card
” Early Bird Draw #3 – November 19 at 11am
Prize ($1,000 value) – $500 Cash + $250 Velorution Gift Card + $250 Big Lake Cabin Gift Card

” Early Bird Draw #4 – November 26 at 11am
Prize ($1,000 value) – $500 Cash + $250 Outspoken Brewery Gift Card + $250 Jade Wellness Gift Card
From the time of purchase, tickets are eligible for all upcoming draws this month – including the grand prize at the end of the month. Tickets will be available for purchase until November 29th at 9 pm, and the grand prize draw will take place on November 30th at 11 am.

Congratulations to last month’s early bird winners: Sandra Rickard, Cutler, ON (L-2227913); Group of: Mary Casola, Cynthia Pearse & Cathy Humalamaki, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (L-1863458); Jim Zorzit, Windsor, ON (L-6075816); and Group of: Kim Paolucci, Tracey Paolucci & Tricia Christian, Sault Ste. Marie, ON (L-2709691).

SAHF 50/50 is supported by SooToday.com and Village Media, who are dedicated to making a difference in our community.

SAHF 50/50 tickets can be purchased by anyone 18+ years old within the province of Ontario at www.soo5050.ca. Visit the page regularly and follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/saultareahospitalfoundation) where the winning number reveal takes place live for each draw.

On behalf of the entire community, thank you to all who continue to support. When our hospital purchases equipment like this, we all win.