The first winner of the Riverside 50/50 Draw for 2026 has been drawn.
Carolee Strachan has become the year’s first winner of the ongoing fundraiser 50/50 draws put on by Riverside Health Care to support its Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! Campaign.
According to a press release from Riverside, Strachan took home $14,057.50 from the draw, meaning that Riverside has also benefitted with the same amount towards advanced diagnostic imaging equipment for the region. Strachan said that rather than just supporting Riverside in its fundraising goals, she has supported similar initiatives across the region, owing to just how interconnected health care in the north is.
“I used to only just support Riverside, but then I thought that’s a little silly if I want to really support local care,” Strachan said.
“Our health care is made up of all the different hospitals here. Some services are provided in Dryden or Thunder Bay, just as people from those places access our hospital when they need it… the more we can put into resources for everybody, the better.”
Riverside echoed Strachan’s comments, noting that Riverside is equipped to provide many services here in the district, while other regional partners help to fill in the gaps for services Riverside can’t provide.
Holly Kaemingh, Riverside’s Director of Fundraising, said the January total is a strong indicator that the community is still turning out to support the campaign, and it helps push them ever closer to their goals.
“Kicking off the new year with strong community support is incredibly meaningful,” Kaemingh said.
“As we move into the home stretch of the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign and sit less than $250,000 from our $1.6 million goal, momentum continues to build. Every ticket purchased helps move us closer to that goal while reinforcing the importance of investing in care for our communities.”
Tickets for Riverside’s February 50/50 draw are available now for purchase at www.rhc5050.com, by stopping by the La Verendrye General Hospital Administration Office Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., by calling 807-274-6635, or by visiting us in person every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. inside the Main Entrance of La Verendrye General Hospital off Front Street.
Purchasing tickets before February 13, 2026, qualifies ticket holders for the $1,000 Early Bird Prize, proudly sponsored by The Barn.
“As Carolee’s story reflects, care across our region is strengthened by people in our communities
supporting one another,” Riverside said in their release.
“As the Lights, Camera, DIAGNOSIS! campaign enters its final stretch, it’s a win-win every time: community support for care, plus a chance to take home the jackpot.”
