Local man wins $97K in hospital 50/50 draw — then phones back to make sure it's real

One Saultite was so shocked to win December's Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF) 50/50 that he had to call twice to make sure it wasn't a joke.

Orlando Blonda, who won $97,050 in the Dec. 29, 2023 draw, said he was overwhelmed and had to sit down when the news sunk in.

“Everyone is going to be so happy!” he shared.

For more information, see the full news release below. 

On Dec. 29, 2023, Orlando Blonda of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., won a $97,050 jackpot in the Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF) December 50/50 draw. Orlando’s lucky number D-3576784 was drawn electronically, and he was called immediately. He was visiting family out of town, so it took some time to get a hold of him!

Orlando couldn’t believe it – he called back twice to make sure it wasn’t a joke! He was overwhelmed and had to sit down when the news sunk in, “Everyone is going to be so happy!” he shared. When asked why he supports the 50/50 draws, he shared, “Sault Area Hospital has been very good to my family.”

Orlando wasn’t the only winner this month – December’s Early Birds, Dale and Gail Hernden of Thessalon, Ont, were the lucky winners of $10,000 on December 15th with ticket D-7904229. “As we go into the New Year, reflecting on the positive impact of our 50/50 lottery has had over the last four years has been wonderful,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director for Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “All proceeds from our 50/50 lotteries have helped fund vital medical equipment for our hospital to provide outstanding care to everyone in Algoma. Many thanks to our loyal supporters!”

Tickets for SAHF’s January 50/50 draw are on sale now! Get your tickets before Jan. 17 for a chance to win the $10,000 early bird prize – plus every ticket has a chance at the growing jackpot. Tickets are 10 for $10; 60 for $20; 200 for $40; or 750 for $75. In addition to online sales, tickets can be purchased in person at the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Office (750 Great Northern Road) from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ticket buyers must be 18 years of age or older and in the province of Ontario to play.

For more information, click here or email [email protected].

Lottery Licence #RAF1325519