A father of three and former McKay’s Corners resident has been awarded the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) Igniting Healthcare Spring 50/50 grand prize jackpot. Jason Howes of St. Thomas took home the fundraiser’s $74,690.00 grand prize on Friday, May 3, and he wasted no time in making the drive down to Chatham to pick up his winnings.
“I grew up in Chatham-Kent and just moved to St. Thomas last year for work, so I’ve always bought tickets for these 50/50s as a way to support this hospital that’s been so good to me and to my family,” said Jason. “I never really thought that there was a chance that I would actually win, so when I got the call, I was definitely speechless. I’m still having a hard time believing that this is real!”
Jason purchased three online tickets and a whopping 1,500 numbers for this year’s draw, including the lucky winning number CK-7052050. Jason has supported the Igniting Healthcare 50/50 over the past few years, always considering his ticket purchases as donations in support of a cause close to his heart.
“My wife and I are getting ready for our son’s third birthday party over the weekend, and once that’s done, I think we’ll be buying that new smoker that we’ve been keeping our eyes on. ” Jason stated. “I also plan to use some of these winnings to finish my pilot’s license, and I’m very excited about that.”
CKHAF’s first ever Spring 50/50 far exceeded its goal, raising a grand total of $149,380.00 in ticket sales. Proceeds from this fundraiser will be designated towards the Highest Priority Needs at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA), allowing the Foundation to continue to make crucial investments in life-changing equipment and facility upgrades in our local hospital sites.
“As we all know, the needs and priorities of our hospital are always changing, and it is so important for our Foundation to remain responsive and adaptable in our commitment to meet these evolving needs,” said Christine Mitchell, CKHAF President & CEO. “We were blown away by the support that our Spring 50/50 received from across our community and beyond, and we were so thrilled to be able to present Jason with a cheque that will have such a positive impact on him and his young family.”
In addition to the grand prize jackpot, four Early Bird prizes were awarded every Friday throughout the campaign, each generously provided by local businesses.
- Sherri Saunders from Blenheim won the first Early Bird Draw for a Chilly Moose Explorer Cooler, generously provided by Schinkel’s’ Gourmet Meats, on April 5.
- Kristine Ellis from Thamesville won the second Early Bird Draw for $1,000, generously provided by Lambton Conveyor, on April 12.
- Graham Watson from Chatham won the third Early Bird Draw for $1,000, generously provided by Chorley & Bisset Ltd., on April 19.
- Lynn Marchand from Thamesville won the fourth Early Bird Draw for $1,000, generously provided by the Glasshouse Nursery & Garden Centre, on April 26.
With the Igniting Healthcare Spring 50/50 all wrapped up, CKHAF now looks ahead to their Summer 50/50, which will kick off in late-June. Community members are encouraged to follow the Foundation on social media – @CKHAFoundation on Facebook, Instagram, and X – for more details and exciting announcements that will make this summer fundraiser the most exciting one yet.
Igniting Healthcare 50/50 Fundraiser is licensed by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and conducted in accordance with AGCO-approved rules that can be found on the lottery website at www.ignite5050.ca. The draw will be made using Random Number Generation (RNG) – a proven technology approved by the AGCO. Ascend Fundraising Solutions is providing the technical and systems expertise for sales, accounting, and the draw. Lottery License #RAF1377904.
