50/50 win 'couldn’t have come at a better time,' says local retiree

NEWS RELEASE
ARCH HOSPICE
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The call that he’d won $39,308 “couldn’t have come at a better time,” for James Rathbone. “I just signed my retirement paperwork, and I was a little worried about what things would look like come January.”

James won the October ARCH 50/50 Draw on the 31st with ticket number D-3602982, and was in a bit of disbelief picking up his jackpot cheque.

“I’ve never really won anything before. It took me 61 years to win this! I’m still not sure it feels real.”

James worked at Algoma Steel for 40 years, and he is looking forward to retiring and spending more time with his wife, Patti, and their two children and two grandkids. James bucket list item is one many in the North have – enjoying the beautiful outdoors.

“This will be a nice nest-egg for retirement for us. We’ve always wanted to get a trailer, and spend some time camping in the area and on Manitoulin Island.”

James Rathbone never expected to win when he bought tickets to the ARCH 50/50 draw.

“You don’t expect to win on these things,” shared James. “I buy tickets every month to the ARCH draw, I do it because I want to support a good cause. The care at ARCH is great, and it should be supported.”

James has had family at ARCH, and plans to continue to support the hospice and buy tickets each month.

“I think some people still don’t know we are not fully funded by the government. We have to fundraise for everything beyond nursing and personal support; including other direct care needs such as: medical care supplies, food, grief and bereavement support, and not to mention other shelter and utilities expenses as well," shared ARCH executive director, Christianne Monico.

"We don’t charge for our services, so fundraisers like the ARCH 50/50 are essential in off-setting some of those unfunded direct care needs and truly help us continue to serve our community. We love the ARCH 50/50, because not only does it help fund ARCH, but we also really enjoy making someone’s day each month! Giving the jackpot winners their cheques and learning what they plan to cross off their bucket lists is a privilege and something we really look forward to each month.”

Tickets are already on sale for November’s draw and can be purchased online. The winner’s jackpot has a guaranteed minimum of $9,999, and the in first four draws, winners have taken home a combined total of over $170,000.

All proceeds raised from the 50/50 go directly towards the care and support of the nearly 200 residents and their families that ARCH serves each year. November’s winner will be drawn on Nov. 30 at 5 p.m. License #12061

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