After raising more than $2 million amid three years of success, the popular Soldiers' 50/50 draw is a coming to an end.
Perry Esler, the president and CEO of Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Foundation, says the fundraiser began in the spring of 2021 because traditional forms of philanthropy were impacted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The Soldiers’ 50/50 united our community and helped to support our hospital during a critical time," Esler said. "We are grateful that our communities rallied behind us through this difficult time for healthcare."
More than $1 million in prize money was awarded through the popular lottery. Esler said 50 per cent of the total raised was awarded in prizes, with 25 per cent covering the operational fees and 25 per cent supporting the hospital.
The money raised through Soldiers’ 50/50, along with donations and other fundraising initiatives, was used for crucial equipment upgrades. New and upgraded equipment provided new safety features, support for diagnosis and monitoring, and "helped to create a more comfortable experience for patients at OSMH," he explained.
"It was great to see our communities rally behind supporting the hospital, especially during a time when we couldn’t always connect face to face," Esler said. "However, the operational costs of the program outweighed the successes when you compare it to the many other ways we receive support from the community."
Esler says the prizes awarded from the lottery were more than OSMH Foundation might have imagined when they launched the program. Some of the prize winners were able to use their winnings to make renovations, make new purchases, and make memories with loved ones, he explained.
"We enjoyed celebrating with each and every one of our winners and shared in their excitement," he said.
While the prizes were larger than anticipated, so, too, were the expenses and administration costs associated with the program, Esler says.
"It’s resource-dependent and, at this time, we’re focused on other forms of philanthropy to generate greater impact on our mission," Esler explained.
"This was a decision we took very seriously as a team," Esler said. "We discussed it as an organization, with our board of directors, and the senior leadership team at the hospital."
Esler thanks everyone who contributed and supported the lottery program over the last few years.
"We know this program was supported by our community and people really enjoyed being a part of it," he said. "This was a decision we did not take lightly and, ultimately, we believe that ending the Soldiers’ 50/50 raffle is the right thing for our hospital."
The Soldiers' 50/50 raffle will officially conclude on Sept. 27. While the lottery program will soon be in the past, Esler says there are many other ways to support the hospital.
"You could become a monthly donor," Esler suggested. "Monthly donations that support OSMH have the lowest administrative costs and are tax deductible."
Esler says you can also thank health-care professionals through the Soldiers’ Honour program.
"You can give your time as an OSMH volunteer," he suggested. "You can also advocate for the health-care needs of our communities."
To purchase a 50/50 ticket for one of the final few draws, click here.
