Henry Osmulski of Thunder Bay is celebrating after winning $64,140 in Sault Area Hospital Foundation’s (SAHF) July 50/50 draw.

“Reaching Henry proved to be a little more challenging than expected, with a voicemail left on Friday before the long weekend — but that turned out to be exactly what he was hoping for!” says a news release issued by SAHF. 

When purchasing his ticket this month, Osmulski did something a little different: rather than providing his cell phone number, he listed his home phone.

Still working, but planning to retire this October, he hoped there would be a blinking voicemail light waiting for him when he returned home from work.

Osmulski’s brother, who was home at the time, had been specifically instructed not to answer the phone or check any voicemails. When he checked his messages, and then checked the winning numbers, he knew he would be taking home the jackpot.

“This win will make that transition into retirement this fall just a little bit smoother,” Osmulski said in the release.

Instead of getting his winnings through the mail, Henry decided to make the drive from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie to pick up his cheque in person.

For more information, see the press release below:

On July 31, Henry Osmulski of Thunder Bay, Ont. won a $64,140 jackpot in the Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF) July 50/50 draw. Henry’s lucky number (J-37094797) was drawn electronically, and he was called immediately.

Reaching Henry proved to be a little more challenging than expected, with a voicemail left on Friday before the long weekend — but that turned out to be exactly what he was hoping for!

When purchasing his ticket this month, Henry did something a little different: rather than providing his cell phone number, he listed his home phone.

Still working, but planning to retire this October, Henry hoped there would be a blinking voicemail light waiting for him when he returned home from work. His brother, who was home at the time, had been specifically instructed not to answer the phone or check any voicemails. When he checked his messages, and then checked the winning numbers, he knew he would be taking home the jackpot. “This win will make that transition into retirement this fall just a little bit smoother,” shared Henry.

A longtime supporter of Hospital 50/50s across Northern Ontario, Henry enjoys purchasing tickets knowing they support local health care while also giving him the chance to win. His brother, once skeptical about lottery wins, is now a believer after seeing the prize firsthand.

Rather than receiving his winnings through the mail, Henry insisted on making the drive from Thunder Bay to Sault Ste. Marie to pick up his cheque in person. He and his brother turned the trip into a short getaway, spending a couple of days enjoying what Sault Ste. Marie has to offer!

Henry wasn’t the only winner this month – July’s Early Bird, Laurie Laitinen of Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., had the choice between a $10,000 Premium Patio Package or $8,000 cash. With winning ticket J-76524365. Laurie decided on adding the $8,000 cash prize to her future travel funds.

“We love hearing the stories our winners share, and the difference these big wins can make,” said Teresa Martone, Executive Director for Sault Area Hospital Foundation. “When it comes down to it, every ticket purchased makes a difference – helping fund critical medical equipment at Sault Area Hospital.”

Tickets for SAHF’s August 50/50 draw are on sale now – and this is a month you won’t want to miss! Get your tickets before August 19 for a chance to win the $10,000 early bird prize – plus every ticket has a chance at the growing jackpot. Tickets are 10 for $10; 60 for $20; 200 for $40; or 750 for $75.

New this month: purchase an Add-On raffle ticket for a chance to win a 2026 Sea-Doo Spark & Trailer package ($14,099.12 value) or $10,000 cash. Add-On tickets start at just $10 and must be purchased with an SAHF 50/50 ticket.

In addition to online sales at www.soolottery.ca, tickets can be purchased in person at select convenience stores and the Sault Area Hospital Foundation Office (750 Great Northern Road) from 8:00am-4:30pm, Monday through Friday. Ticket buyers must be 18 years of age or older and in the province of Ontario to play.

For more information, visit www.soolottery.ca or email [email protected]. Lottery Licence #RAF1558229 | Add-On Raffle Licence #RAF1565027

Looking for more ways to support SAHF? In addition to the monthly 50/50, tickets are also available for Split the Pot.

To purchase tickets in support of SAHF or learn more about Split the Pot, please visit www.sahfoundation.com/STP.

Lottery Licence #RAF1494020