Nolalu Resident Wins $2.3 Million in January Thunder Bay 50/50
Published Friday, January 30, 2026
January Thunder Bay 50/50 winner Patrick Silvaggio of Nolalu is pictured with family members after winning $2,377,775.
Nolalu resident, Patrick Silvaggio is still trying to wrap his head around the moment he learned he had won $2,377,775 in the January Thunder Bay 50/50 draw.
Silvaggio was in so much shock that he continued to ask, “Are you serious?” and “Is this a joke?” throughout the phone call. Torin Gunnell, Director of Lotteries, and Cassandra Carangi, Development Assistant, Lotteries, with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, who made today's winning call, had to continually reassure him that this was not a joke — this was serious — and that he was the winner.
Upon learning the amount he won, Silvaggio said, “That can help me out here and my kids, maybe I can retire now.” He started his own construction business when he was 20 years old and is still working in it today. He added, “Probably use a month off from it.”
During the call, Patrick revealed his wife passed away five years ago on their 40th wedding anniversary, and he has been adjusting from that for the last five years which makes this win even more meaningful.
When asked who the first person he was going to call would be, Silvaggio replied that it would be his family — six kids and 14 grandchildren.
Patrick Silvaggio from Nolalu wins $2,377,775 in January's Thunder Bay 50/50!
Following the call, Silvaggio came down to the hospital for a photo and a number of his family members and grandkids joined him to take in the special moment together.
“He's well deserving of this, he's worked the last 60 years of his life... hard, still working. 6 kids, 14 grandkids... the hardest working man we know. He does everything he can for his children, his neighbours, his friends, always working,” says his children.
“Even though I've stepped in for Foundation CEO Glenn Craig before — who usually makes the famous 11:00 a.m. calls — every winner call is different,” said Torin Gunnell, Director of Lotteries with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “Patrick was completely stunned, and seeing his family gathered around him to celebrate his win was even more meaningful.”
February's draw is now open! Here's what's happening:
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$125,000 in total early birds with draws every week.
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$90,000 in Early Bird prizes to be won in the first week, including a $25,000 draw on Saturday, February 7.
** Tickets must be purchased by 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 26, 2026 to be eligible for the Grand Prize draw on Friday, February 27 at 11:00 a.m.
Questions about the draw can be sent to info@thunderbay5050.ca. Ticket purchasers must be present in Ontario to purchase and 18 years of age old or older. The Thunder Bay 50/50 continues each month with the Grand Prize drawn on the last Friday of the month. (2026 Lottery Licence RAF1500864)