Off to an Even Hotter Start
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December Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw Forecasted to be Biggest Ever
It’s the most wonderful time of the year—Santa Claus is coming to town and the Thunder Bay 50/50 grand prize is expected to surpass last year’s total and change lives.
“Last year, we set the record with a grand prize of $6.43 million. This year, it’s looking even bigger,” says Torin Gunnell, director of lotteries for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation (TBRHSF).
The December grand prize is quickly approaching $4 million as the first week of the month comes to a close. “It’s looking like we’re going to set a new record this year and contribute a record amount of money to local health care.”
The Thunder Bay 50/50 launched in February 2021 and has since become Canada’s largest hospital lottery. Although there’s only one lucky grand-prize winner, the Thunder Bay 50/50 is a win for everyone in the region as the money raised from ticket sales funds projects like the purchase of capital equipment—everything from defibrillators and surgical equipment to high-tech beds and specialized radiation machines to treat cancer—for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC).
Just last month, the TBRHSF celebrated a historic day for health care, approving a record $22,815,488 in funding to the TBRHSC thanks to the multi-layered efforts of donors, event participants, and Thunder Bay 50/50 ticket buyers. As part of this historic total, more than $10.3 million has been approved through the Foundation's Capital Grants program, which will impact nearly every area of the hospital but includes major commitments to two priority projects—the cardiovascular surgery program and emergency department renovation project, with construction starting in the triage area.
October Thunder Bay 50/50 winner Sharon Badanai from Thunder Bay pictured with Hospital Foundation CEO, Glenn Craig
While the TBRHSF has been able to make an enormous community impact through the Thunder Bay 50/50, they’ve also changed individual lives forever, with over $82 million being awarded since its inception. Just this past October, Thunder Bay resident Sharon Badanai was the lucky winner of $2,632,450—the third-largest grand prize ever awarded. “In just one phone call, Sharon’s life changed forever,” Gunnell says. “She has children and family, and that money’s all going to stay here.”
Tickets for the December 50/50 can be purchased online or in person at the Thunder Bay 50/50 store located at Intercity Shopping Centre. The deadline to purchase tickets is January 1 at 11:59 p.m. and the draw will take place on January 2, 2026 with the call to the winner taking place at 11 am as usual. Good luck!