Manitouwadge man wins huge cash prize — for second time in six weeks

Lightning has struck a second time for a lucky truck driver from northern Ontario who has bought 50/50 tickets in support of hospitals in the Sault and Thunder Bay.

The Manitouwadge man won just over $69,000 in the Sault Area Hospital Foundation's September 50/50 draw, the SAHF said today, adding to the fortune he took home after winning a prize ten times the size in a hospital foundation lottery in Thunder Bay this summer. 

On Friday, Sept. 29, Jerry Pilon won a $69,060 jackpot in the SAHF September 50/50 draw.

Pilon’s lucky number S-6268367 was drawn electronically, and he was called immediately.

Pilon was "quite surprised" when he found out he’d won, according to an SAHF release, since last month he won the 50/50 lottery in Thunder Bay.

Media reports of the win say it paid a whopping $836,560.

“My luck must’ve been stacked,” he said during the phone call with SAHF. “I definitely didn’t think I’d win twice!”

The Thunder Bay jackpot is regularly in the $800,000 range, and has exceeded $1 million at least three times.

In coverage of Pilon's win this past summer, he said he will be preparing for retirement sooner than planned.

Pilon wasn’t the only winner this month. September’s Early Bird, Joanne Ross of London, Ont., was the lucky winner of $10,000 on Sept. 13, with ticket S-1430502.

“It’s exciting to see luck play out in real-time! We’re incredibly grateful to all of those who continue to support 50/50 – coming together in Northern Ontario to support local healthcare,” Teresa Martone, executive director for Sault Area Hospital Foundation said.

“These draws help tremendously with ensuring our hospital continues to have the equipment it needs to support local healthcare needs. We’d like to thank everyone who participates. Even when an individual takes home the prize, there are even more winners in our hospital and community.”

Tickets for SAHF’s October 50/50 draw are on sale now. Get your tickets before Oct. 18 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 at www.soolottery.ca, tickets can be purchased in person at the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Office at 750 Great Northern Rd. from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ticket buyers must be at least 18 years of age and in the province of Ontario to play.

For more information, visit www.soolottery.ca or email soolotterysupport@sahfoundation.com.