THUNDER BAY — Joe Valente is Thunder Bay’s latest millionaire.
Valente got the call on Friday morning from Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation president and CEO Glenn Craig, learning he was the lucky winner of November’s $1.1-million jackpot, the sixth largest in the draw’s 34-month history.
“I have supported the hospital (through the 50/50) since day one,” said Valente, in a release issued by the foundation.
“They were always so good to my wife during her cancer treatment.”
This year alone the 50/50 draw has awarded more than $11 million in grand prizes, $4.48 million more than it had given out through 11 months in 2022.
“It has been a phenomenal year of support for the Thunder Bay 50/50 which has allowed us to do more, faster for the hospital and better local healthcare now,” Craig said.
“To show our thanks, we have lots of really big things happening for the Christmas draw and the reopening of our Christmas 50/50 Pop-up store for people to buy their tickets while in the Intercity Shopping Centre. We’re hoping to end the year with our biggest jackpot ever.”
The December jackpot, announced on Thursday, is guaranteed to be at least $2 million. Last year’s December jackpot grew to more than $2.5 million.
Tickets are available at the Foundation’s Intercity Shopping Centre pop-up location near the food court, or online at www.thunderbay5050.ca.
Ticket buyers must be in Ontario at the time of purchase. The draw date is Dec. 28.
