Thunder Bay 50/50 Supporters Raise $52,912 for the Northwest Animal Centre
Published Thursday, September 3, 2026
Thunder Bay 50/50 presents $52,912 to the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre, raised through optional $2 donations from ticket buyers in August.
Thunder Bay 50/50 ticket buyers have raised a remarkable $52,912 for the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre, the total revealed this morning at a cheque presentation at the Centre's Rosslyn Road location.
The funds were raised through an optional $2 donation offered at checkout to anyone purchasing a Thunder Bay 50/50 ticket during the month of August. The add-on was entirely voluntary and separate from the lottery itself, with every dollar going directly to the Northwest Animal Centre.
The Thunder Bay 50/50 first partnered with the Northwest Animal Centre in 2024, using its platform to feature animals available for adoption. This summer's partnership offered supporters another way to help at a time when the Centre was seeing increased demand, including as a result of regional wildfires.
"Fifty-two thousand, nine hundred and twelve dollars; raised two dollars at a time. More than 15,000 people gave online, and thousands of them gave again and again through the month, which tells you this wasn't an impulse at checkout,” said Glenn Craig, President & CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “Our players already support health care in Northwestern Ontario every time they buy a ticket. This August, thousands of them decided to do one more thing on top of that."
"This support arrived at a time when we were seeing real pressure, including from the regional wildfires,” said Shawna Beaulieu, Executive Director of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society Northwest Animal Centre. Every one of those two-dollar donations goes into the care of the animals coming through our doors — food, shelter, veterinary treatment, and the time it takes to find each one the right home. We're grateful to the Thunder Bay 50/50, and to every person who chose to add their two dollars."
Proceeds from Thunder Bay 50/50 ticket sales continue to support patient care and medical equipment at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. Tickets are available at thunderbay5050.ca or at the Thunder Bay 50/50 Store inside the Intercity Shopping Centre. Players must be 18 years of age or older and physically located in Ontario at the time of purchase. Lottery Licence RAF1500864