It was the kind of news that Allen Clark of Kagawong, Ont. never expected.
“When I picked up the phone, I thought it wasn’t real. I had to get my family to do some follow-up phone calls to make sure it wasn’t some kind of hoax,” said Clark.
“I was just putting on breakfast and thought that I’d just shut the stove off and go out to get breakfast.”
That was the first reaction from the Manitoulin Island resident on the news he was the winner of the Health Sciences North's May 50/50 take-home jackpot of $526,698 with ticket AV-70124738.
Clark said he and his partner Joanne have been buying tickets on a rotation for a couple of years and even though they buy their tickets primarily as a way to support regional health care, that never stopped them from dreaming about winning the HSN 50/50.
Proceeds from the monthly draw are used to support the Health Sciences North Foundation, NEO Kids Foundation, Northern Cancer Foundation, and the HSN Volunteer Association, said a news release from HSN.
Clark said he was pleased to support the draw and even happier to be a monthly winner.
“I’ve been hemming and hawing, looking at new pontoon boats online since mine needs a little work. I haven’t found exactly what I want yet, but I think my budget just expanded,” he said.
Anthony Keating, President and Chief Development Officer of Foundations and Volunteer Groups at HSN, said he was happy to share the good news.
“We are thrilled for Allen and his family. I hope that he gets to make the most of the new boat and creates some new memories adventuring with his family,” said Keating, who said he was grateful for the solid community support.
“As our fourth full year of HSN 50/50 comes to a close, I want to express my thanks to the thousands of HSN 50/50 players in Sudbury, Northeastern Ontario, and across the province," he said.
"Since we started the HSN 50/50, we have given away $25,000,000 to lucky winners and in turn, your support has allowed us to support exciting new cancer research, purchase vital equipment for HSN’s health-care experts, and help us provide equitable access to health today and into the future. We look forward to even bigger things with the HSN 50/50 in our 5th year, thanks to your continued support.”
Residents across Ontario over the age of 18 can purchase tickets for a chance to win. Tickets for the June draw are available to purchase right now, with sales ending at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, 2024, said the news release. The jackpot-winning ticket will be drawn on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. and posted online at www.hsn5050.ca. Lottery license #1386173.
Len Gillis is a reporter with Sudbury.com.
