Thunder Bay 50/50 Looks Back on a Fall of Big Wins and New Millionaires
Published Monday, December 23, 2024
Robert Duncan of Thunder Bay, centre, becomes the 15th consecutive millionaire, winning $1,464,202 in the November Thunder Bay 50/50.
This fall, the Thunder Bay 50/50 welcomed three more winners - Lorna Bottos, Philip Duke, and Robert Duncan, all residents of Thunder Bay, into its millionaire's club, continuing a winning streak that now spans 15 consecutive months of million-dollar Grand Prizes.
The season began with an unforgettable win for Lorna Bottos, who took home an incredible $1,370,372 in the September 50/50 draw. Lorna, who balances two jobs, one with OSAP assisting students with financial aid and the other working some evenings at the Metro Deli, was thrilled by the news. “Oh my god, I don't even know what to say! I'm quitting my second job,” Lorna immediately exclaimed upon learning how much she had won. With plans to travel, possibly to Europe and the U.S.A., Lorna was ready to enjoy her winnings!
In October, Philip Duke was the lucky winner of the $1,660,795 Grand Prize. When Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, gave him the call, Philip couldn't believe it. “No way! That's crazy!” he exclaimed. Philip had taken the day off work to take his mother out for lunch, but his plans quickly changed as he had to make a stop first at the 50/50 store to claim his winnings. As an Engineer in Training, Philip said he plans to pay off his student loans and might now finally take a trip to Japan with his brother, something that feels much more feasible now with his win.
Then, in November, Robert Duncan received the call of a lifetime. He had won $1,464,202, becoming the 15th consecutive millionaire in the Thunder Bay 50/50. “My wife is going to be ecstatic,” Robert said. “We have two kids and four grandkids, and we're heading on a family trip to Hawaii in February!” While Robert had initially worried about the cost of their vacation, his win means the family can relax and fully enjoy their time together without any financial stress.
As the year draws to a close, the Thunder Bay 50/50 continues to make a significant impact on both the lives of its winners and the community. The stories of Lorna, Philip, and Robert showcase just how life-changing the Thunder Bay 50/50 can be. But this lottery isn't just about creating millionaires, it's also about supporting healthcare in Northwestern Ontario. Every ticket purchased helps fund vital equipment and ensures better care, closer to home.
The excitement of these fall winners has set the stage for what promises to be a record-breaking December 50/50 draw, with the Grand Prize already exceeding $3 million and continuing to grow. As we look forward to the December 50/50 draw, we are reminded of the power of community support in ensuring that essential healthcare services continue to thrive in Northwestern Ontario.