THUNDER BAY — In the last three years, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Science Centre's 50/50 draw has given away millions in prizes while raising millions of dollars for the hospital.
Last year, more than $15 million was won in early bird and grand prize draws - including a record-breaking $3.9 million that someone won in December 2023.
Over the course of the lottery's short lifetime after launching in January 2021, just over $33 million has been handed out on big cheques.
The Foundation is expected to give close to $6 million that will be invested into the hospital for its 2023-24 fiscal year, which runs from April to March.
A lot of new equipment has been brought to the regional hospital, and program projects have been funded from cash raised in the lottery.
While it's not an exhaustive list of items, new technology was put into the cardiac catheterization lab, phase 1 of the emergency department's redevelopment, as well as renovations for a new PET/CT scanner.
A new portable C-arm - a type of portable X-ray machine used in surgeries - was purchased, as well as a new CT scanner, and two portable ventilators for the hospital's neonatal critical care unit.
The Regional Cancer Program in Sioux Lookout also benefitted from the latter, as it received a blood analyzer to speed up cancer detection.
TBRHSC is looking at directing some of its cash to the second phase of the emergency department's upgrades. As well, the Our Hearts at Home Cardiovascular Campaign will receive some funding.
TBRHSC will celebrate its 20th anniversary in February, and with that comes the important task of rotating outdated equipment and replacing it with upgraded technology.
