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Derick Roy believed he was supporting a different hospital lottery when he bought the winning ticket
Published Feb 03, 2026 • Last updated 8 hours ago • 1 minute read
Derick and Donna Roy are celebrating a $380,775 windfall after accidentally buying tickets for the Health Sciences North Foundation’s January 50/50 draw. Supplied photoArticle content
An Ottawa couple is celebrating a $380,775 windfall after accidentally buying tickets for the Health Sciences North Foundation’s January 50/50 draw.
Derick and Donna Roy learned they had won the take‑home grand prize after Derick mistakenly believed he was supporting a different hospital lottery.
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“It was a mistake I’m pretty happy to live with,” Derick said in a phone interview from his Ottawa home, noting the couple is living on a fixed income. “I think I’ve got enough money left to last me about four years. You’ve just improved that.”
Donna said the call came as a shock.
“I’m stunned,” she said. “I’m thinking of a cruise. And we have a lot of family we can help.”
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Proceeds from the HSN 50/50 support priority medical equipment purchases, cutting‑edge research and future health‑care needs across northeastern Ontario, including clinical trials aimed at improving cancer care through the Health Sciences North Research Institute.
The foundation said 75 active clinical studies are underway, with more than 240 patients enrolled. The research helps ensure patients in northeastern Ontario can access cancer treatments once only available in larger centres.
“Because of donors and lottery participants, we have the resources, systems, and skilled people needed to move research forward,” said Gillyan Gravelle, manager of oncology clinical research. “You are helping us bring world‑class cancer care to patients in the North.”
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February’s HSN 50/50 draw includes multiple early‑bird prizes and the return of an add‑on raffle, offering players the chance to win either a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado, valued at more than $80,000, or $60,000 in cash. Three additional $10,000 draws are scheduled for Feb. 5, Feb. 12 and Feb. 19.
Ticket sales for February’s draw are open to Ontario residents aged 18 and older, with sales closing at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 26. The jackpot grows in real time as tickets are sold, with half of the proceeds supporting hospital priorities and the other half awarded to a single winner.
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