A drive to Dryden, Ont., for a shopping trip took an unexpected turn for Dennis Wilson of Ignace, who was announced on Friday as the latest multi-millionaire winner of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s 50/50 draw. Wilson won a grand prize of $2,130,175. The life-changing news was delivered by the foundation’s chief executive officer, Glenn Craig, in the organization’s traditional 11 a.m. phone call to the winner. “You might want to pull over for a second,” Craig advised Wilson after confirming he was on the road. Craig then identified himself and the foundation, emphasizing the legitimacy of the call. “I’m not kidding. I have witnesses right now and they’ll tell you this is Glenn Craig calling from the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation,” Craig said. Wilson’s initial reaction was one of disbelief. “You’re kidding,” Wilson said. After being informed he was the November winner and a new multi-millionaire, Wilson expressed his shock. “Oh, that’s great, I’ll tell you. Can’t believe it,” he said. “Hello! Well, you sure made my day,” said Wilson, when Craig revealed the precise prize amount. Longtime supporter sees a win-win Wilson has been a participant in the 50/50 draw since its inception. He described his philosophy behind buying tickets, highlighting the dual purpose of the fundraiser. “I always think it was a win-win situation when you buy the ticket anyways,” Wilson said during the call. “Hopefully, I didn’t have the other part by going to the hospital.” Plans for the prize include family When discussing his plans for the windfall, Wilson indicated he would use the money for practical matters and to support his family. “Help the young lad finish his cabin, for one thing,” Wilson said. Craig noted the timing of the win, with Christmas around the corner, could lead to a longer wish list. He also suggested the shopping trip to Dryden could now be a more extravagant affair. “With an extra $2 million in the wallet that might make the shopping a little bit more fun,” Craig said. 10th multi-millionaire The foundation confirmed Wilson’s win in a news release, identifying him as the holder of lucky ticket number K-764133191. The Thunder Bay 50/50 draw has now created 10 multi-millionaire winners, awarding more than $81 million in total prizes to players across Ontario. You can watch the call with the winner above. Next month’s draw The December draw is now underway at ThunderBay5050.ca, with the foundation guaranteeing a $2.5 million minimum jackpot. In addition to the guaranteed $2.5 million prize, the hospital foundation is also handing out $500,000 in secondary prizes next month, including $250,000 in holiday bonus draws, which includes a first-ever $100,000 New Year’s Eve draw to help one lucky ticket-holder ring in the new year in style. The draw has already raised more than $1.4 million. Click here for more information. Tickets for the December draw are available to purchase right now, with sales ending at 11:59 p.m. on Jan. 1. The jackpot-winning ticket will be drawn on Jan. 2 at 11 a.m. Tickets are available online and in-store at the foundation’s Intercity Shopping Centre storefront. Proceeds from the monthly lottery support medical equipment and priorities at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. For more information on the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s 50/50 draws and the work they do, visit their social media page. Enjoy Responsibly Playsmart offers information on gambling games. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available.
