Photo provided Norfolk General Hospital | L to R: 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
A Port Dover woman is celebrating after winning more than $22,000 in the annual 50/50 draw supporting Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home.
Gwen took home $22,091 after her winning ticket was drawn October 30 at Norfolk General Hospital. She purchased her ticket at Walker’s NOFRILLS in Port Dover but had forgotten all about it when the winning phone call came.
“At first, I thought the phone call was a joke or a scam,” Gwen said. “I had completely forgotten that I had bought a ticket.”
Once she realized the call was real, the excitement took over.
“My husband and I both bought tickets to support the hospital. We never expected to win.”
The annual fundraiser, organized by the Volunteer Association, sold 5,000 tickets this year.
Proceeds help purchase new medical equipment for Norfolk General Hospital and Norfolk Hospital Nursing Home, covering needs not fully funded by the province.
Volunteer Association President Betty Lavallee thanked everyone who purchased tickets and supported the fundraiser.
Since the draw began in 2023, more than $75,000 in prizes have been awarded.
The next draw is planned for mid-May 2027, with 6,000 tickets available.