Julia McWilliam, an Orillia and area paramedic from Port Sydney is the latest winner of Soldiers’ 50/50 jackpot, taking home May’s $26,108 prize.
McWilliam was shocked to learn the news of her win, “I literally never expected this to happen,” she said, after relaying that she started playing the Soldiers’ 50/50 lottery only in April to further support the hospital.
“I read what you do with the money and I know it’s really important,” said McWilliam. I know that, working in healthcare.”
As a local paramedic, McWilliam is often working at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) and has observed the attention to care provided by the staff.
“I see how exceptional the care is at OSMH, first hand. I get to see it every day I come to work,” said McWilliam, “and, I’ve had family members who have had care here and they rave about it.”
The lottery win will allow McWilliam to enjoy some much-needed down time on her days off as a first responder, although, her plans are still pretty adventurous. Initial plans include purchasing the ATV she had been saving for and upgrading her accommodations for a summer trip out west.
McWilliam also wants to pay it forward and support her community.
“I’m going to continue to support locally, where I live and where I work, because I think it’s really important to give back as much as you can.”
The Soldiers’ 50/50 offers a unique way to support urgent needs at the Hospital. Tickets are available to purchase for the June 50/50 Raffle. Two $1,000 early bird draws take place June 8 and June 22 at 11 a.m. and the grand prize draw takes place June 29, with a guaranteed $5,000 pot. Ticket bundles start at just $10.
Soldiers’ 50/50 raffle is managed by the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation and works to generate funding for areas of emerging need within Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
To learn more about Soldiers’ 50/50, visit soldiers5050.ca. When you win, we all win!