Nova Scotia Buzz
The Nova Scotia Firefighter’s Weekly 50/50 Draw, is preparing to award one Nova Scotian with the group’s largest prize to date just in time for the Christmas. The organization’s fingers a crossed they will make one lucky Nova Scotian a millionaire!
“Nova Scotians love their local communities and the fire services that volunteer to protect them,” says Lt. Andrew Wallis of the Amherst Fire Fighter’s Association who administers the weekly draw. “Over the three years, it’s been incredible to see the support for local fire halls and all the lucky winners from the draw. We’re proud that 100 percent of funds raised stay right here in Nova Scotia.”
The online weekly raffle was conceived in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic out of a partnership between the Amherst Fire Fighter’s Association, seven other fire groups, and Rafflebox, an online raffle software provider. Now, the province-wide weekly fundraiser boasts consistent jackpots of more than $300,000 and supports 269 participating fire departments and agencies. This week’s jackpot has crossed $1,000,000 and with continued growing success, they hope to make one lucky Nova Scotian a millionaire while supporting the great work of protecting Nova Scotia’s local communities.
“The funds raised have contributed to life-saving equipment and other purchases that allow these groups to continue to improve their services,” explains Lt. Wallis. “We are extremely grateful to those who continue to support us and to Rafflebox for creating the technology that makes this possible.”
Examples of equipment purchased with funds raised from the Nova Scotia Firefighters Weekly 50/50 include:
- A Dodge Ram for Salmon River Volunteer Fire Department that will be used for response to Fire & Medical Calls, equipment transportation, and member transportation;
- A new utility vehicle for Greenwich Fire Department that will be used to provide traffic control and service as a quick response unit for cold water/ice rescue;
- A new truck for Alma Fire Department that will be used for EHS support;
- SCBA packs (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) for Hebbville Fire Department
- Renovations and much-needed repairs of Scotchtown Vol. Fire Depart. Station 26’sengine bay floors;
- New equipment rack for Nine Mile River Volunteer Fire Dept (with their old rack donated to a local department in need);
- A new set of heavy rescue tools, Jaws of Life, for Lantz Volunteer Fire Department;
- New PPE including full gear, helmets, and breathing apparatuses for many groups;
- New life saving equipment, such as rescue boats, flashlights, lights, thermal imaging cameras, pumps, generators, radios, and more for many groups;
- Plus, many groups made substantial community donations, like the Yarmouth Professional Firefighters Association supporting Muscular Dystrophy Canada and the Amherst Firefighters Association supporting Cumberland County Minor Hockey Association (local youth athletics).
“Historically, our Christmas and New Year’s Eve jackpots are the largest draws of the year,” says Lt. Wallis, recounting Vanessa Ross who won $878,050 on December 23, 2021, and Sharon Muir who won $713,288 on December 30, 2021. “We are on track to exceed these numbers this December so don’t forget to grab your tickets before Thursday!”
Residents of Nova Scotia who are 19 years and older can purchase tickets online at www.firefighters5050.com for:
- The Christmas Draw before Thursday, Dec. 22 at 8:59 pm.
- The New Year’s Eve Draw before Thursday, December 29 at 8:59 pm.
Winners will be announced on the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50 Facebook page.
