Port Dover resident wins $22,091 in hospital volunteer 50/50 draw

Pictured from left to right are volunteers Iris Smith and Vicki Davey; Gwen G., winner of the 2026 Volunteer Association 50/50 jackpot; Betty Lavallee, President of the Volunteer Association; and volunteer Terri Kapitor

SIMCOE, ON – Port Dover resident Gwen, has won $22,091 in the Volunteer Association to Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home’s annual 50/50 draw.

The winning ticket was drawn on October 30 at Norfolk General Hospital by Peter Krause, Chair of the NGH Board of Directors. Gwen purchased her ticket at Walker’s NOFRILLS in Port Dover.

For Gwen, the unexpected phone call announcing her win was almost too good to be true.

“At first, I thought the phone call was a joke or a scam,” said Gwen. “I had completely forgotten that I had bought a ticket. When I realized it was real, I was so excited. I kept saying, ‘No! Stop!’ because I couldn’t believe it. My husband and I both bought tickets to support the hospital. We never expected to win.”

This year’s draw sold 5,000 tickets, with proceeds helping purchase new medical equipment for Norfolk General Hospital (NGH) and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home (NHNH).

Every day, patients and residents rely on equipment that helps care teams assess conditions, provide treatment and support recovery. While provincial funding supports hospital operations, it does not cover all equipment needs. Money raised through the 50/50 draw helps put new medical equipment directly into the hands of the teams caring for patients and residents at both organizations.

“Congratulations to Gwen on her wonderful win,” said Betty Lavallee, President of the Volunteer Association. “We are grateful to everyone who purchased a ticket and to the local businesses that supported this year’s draw. The money we raise helps our hospitals and nursing home purchase equipment that patients and residents depend on every day. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our work.”

Since the draw began in 2023, more than $75,000 in prizes have been awarded to winners.

The Volunteer Association is already preparing for its next 50/50 draw, which will begin in mid-May 2027. A total of 6,000 tickets will be available.

Media Contact:

Aaron Gautreau
Director of Communications and Public Relations
Norfolk General Hospital
W: 519-426-0130 ext. 2454