A Thamesville resident is celebrating a $44,430 windfall after winning the grand prize in the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s Igniting Healthcare Retro 50/50 fundraiser.
Kristine Ellis learned she had won the prize after foundation staff surprised her at her home Thursday afternoon with the winning cheque. Her ticket was selected in the grand prize draw held earlier that day.
“I’ve always supported the hospital 50/50s because it’s local. You know the money is staying here and helping people in our own community,” said Ellis. “We’ve had family members cared for at the hospital, so you really appreciate how important that is. I still can’t believe this happened!”
Ellis purchased the winning ticket online on May 17. Although she bought another ticket the night before the draw, the foundation said it was her earlier purchase that contained the winning number.
She said she plans to donate a portion of her winnings to support an upcoming mission trip through her church.
The Igniting Healthcare Retro 50/50 campaign generated $88,860 in ticket sales, with proceeds supporting priority needs at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, including medical equipment, technology and patient care initiatives.
The campaign also served as the official 50/50 fundraiser for RetroFest 2026 during the festival’s May 22 and 23 events.
“Our community continues to show incredible support for local healthcare, and this campaign is another wonderful example of what we can accomplish together,” said Christine Mitchell, president and chief executive officer of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. “Every ticket purchased helps strengthen healthcare close to home while giving supporters the opportunity to win a life-changing prize. We couldn’t be happier for Kristine, and we’re so grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Retro 50/50 such a success.”
The foundation said the lottery was conducted under licence from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario using approved random number generation technology.
