One Summer: Three New Millionaires Made
Published Monday, September 23, 2024
Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation presents Matthew and Samantha Woods with their August 50/50 Grand Prize winnings!
The summer of 2024 will be remembered as a season of life-changing moments for three lucky participants in the Thunder Bay 50/50, each of whom walked away with a grand prize exceeding $1,000,000! This summer not only celebrated these extraordinary wins but also marked a record-breaking milestone for the lottery.
In June, Dave Ireton of Perth, Ontario, received the incredible news that he had won $1,346,462, becoming the tenth consecutive millionaire in the draw's history. Dave, a regular participant, was thrilled when he received the call from Glenn Craig, President and CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. He shared that his winnings would help secure a better future for his children.
July brought another wave of excitement as Drew Quigley from London, Ontario, joined the millionaire's club with a prize of $1,284,528. The retired resident expressed his disbelief at the win, admitting, "I buy lottery tickets all the time and never really think you're going to win." With plans to travel with his wife and support his two daughters, Drew's retirement dreams are now within reach. "We want to revisit Europe and maybe even make it to Australia," he said, envisioning new adventures ahead.
August continued the winning streak with the summer's grandest prize: Samantha Woods from Geraldton, Ontario, claimed an astonishing $2,210,338 in the 'Dog Days of Summer' draw. This draw not only celebrated her win but also set a new record, surpassing the $2 million mark – the largest draw of 2024 and the biggest grand prize outside of the annual Christmas draws. "Who would have thought that August's draw would achieve Christmas-level support?" Glenn noted. "This achievement is entirely due to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters, which we deeply appreciate and will never take for granted."
As a personal support worker, Samantha purchased her ticket hoping for a small win, but fate had much bigger plans for her. "I bought tickets because of the theme, and with having four dogs myself, I thought it might bring us some luck. I was just hoping for an early bird prize!" she laughed. Now, Samantha is focused on paying off debts, investing wisely, and helping her family.
The Thunder Bay 50/50 continues to provide more than just financial prizes; it plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare across Northwestern Ontario. Every ticket purchased contributes to funding vital equipment for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre, ensuring that exceptional care remains available to all in the region.
With over $45 million awarded in prizes and countless lives touched, it's clear that the Thunder Bay 50/50 is about more than just luck; it's about making a lasting difference in the community. As Glenn reflects on his interactions with past winners, he notes, "I often encounter them in the community and love hearing how their winnings have allowed them to buy new homes, fund vacations, or help their families. It's uplifting to see how our lottery transforms lives."
As the summer winds down, the stories of Dave, Drew, and Samantha remind us that sometimes, dreams do come true, bringing joy and new beginnings to those who dare to hope.