The Sault Area Hospital Foundation's most recent 50/50 draw winners got the call that they held the winning ticket for the March draw on April 1 — which made them suspicious.
“We thought it was an April Fools' joke,” John and Carolyn Donovan said.
But it was no joke, and the couple recently picked up their cheque for $81,002.
Their lucky number (M-23227409) was drawn electronically, and they were called immediately, SAHF said in a news release.
The couple were left speechless after finding out they had won.
“We’ve never won anything before – it’s so exciting!”
Carolyn, a retired nurse from the former General Hospital, understands the importance of giving back to local health care and they have become longtime 50/50 supporters.
The couple plans to pay off a few bills and maybe take a trip to celebrate the win.
John and Carolyn's advice for others thinking about buying a ticket?
“Do it! You always hear about people winning, but never think it’ll be you. If it happened to us, it could happen to you!”
John and Carolyn weren’t the only big winners in March. Toni Scarfone of Sault Ste. Marie was the lucky winner of $10,000 on March 13 in the early-bird draw with ticket M-15537485.
“It is great to see winners who understand the impact their ticket has on local health care,” said Teresa Martone, executive director for Sault Area Hospital Foundation.
“Because of supporters like John and Carolyn, we are able to continue enhancing our lottery program. Earlier this year, we launched Memberships, and now we’re thrilled to announce that tickets are available in select convenience stores.”
SAHF 50/50 tickets are now available at select convenience stores.
Providing your contact information at the checkout is optional – so remember to keep your ticket in case it’s a lucky winner, SAHF said.
Tickets for SAHF’s April 50/50 draw are on sale now.