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Shannon Samatte-Folkett and Ty Hildebrand during Shannon's studio visit to promote the launch of the BTHC Foundation's Winter 50/50
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Shannon Samatte-Folkett and Ty Hildebrand during Shannon's studio visit to promote the launch of the BTHC Foundation's Winter 50/50
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The Boundary Trails Health Center Foundation has launched its highly anticipated Winter 50/50 raffle, which went live at 9 AM, Friday, November 1st. The foundation, which has seen incredible success over five years of winter 50/50 events, hopes to surpass last year’s prize of $71,000 for one lucky winner — setting an ambitious goal of reaching a $100,000 payout this time around.

Foundation director Shannon Samatte-Folkett explained the enthusiasm surrounding the kickoff: “I always have people stop by and ask, ‘When can I get in the 50/50?’ or they see the staff 50/50, which is a closed event, but this is open to all of us in Manitoba, and we are really excited.” 

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Funds aimed at life-changing equipment purchases

The foundation has ambitious plans for 2024, with nearly $238,000 pledged for new equipment. “It’s a quarter of a million in one year, and it’s necessary to keep our hospital equipped and staff supported,” said Samatte-Folkett. She emphasized that these investments go beyond medical tools, including items to aid support services at the hospital. “We got a Kubota for the maintenance crew because the campus is growing, and they’re thrilled,” she shared, adding that the foundation has also funded a specialized refrigerator for cancer care and upgraded chairs for the chemotherapy ward, enhancing comfort for patients.

Trailblazing initiatives: enhancing regional healthcare

Samatte-Folkett highlighted the foundation’s commitment to bringing innovative equipment to the hospital, including a state-of-the-art swallow test device known as TIMS, which supports speech-language pathology and rehabilitation services. “No facility in Southern Health has this piece of equipment, so we’re trailblazing here,” she noted. The foundation’s goal with such projects is to make specialized healthcare accessible locally, sparing patients the need for frequent trips to Winnipeg.

Reflecting on her 12 years with the foundation, Samatte-Folkette shared the impact of community support on her role. “I love when we can do projects like this, where we’re the first in the region, and see the positive changes it brings,” she said. The relationships formed over the years have left a lasting impression. “Seeing donors and hearing how our work has helped them or their families—it’s incredibly rewarding.”

Get involved and win big

The foundation also hears regularly from past winners, and they often share how surprised they were to win. “Every single winner, every two weeks, with the staff 50/50 says, ‘I never win!’” Shannon said with a laugh. “The first few winners were actually healthcare workers from the hospital. The odds of that are low since it’s open to all of Manitoba, so that was really rewarding.” She recalls the last grand prize winner, a gentleman from Winkler who purchased his ticket just before the deadline, saying, “He happened to buy his ticket on the last day during the live broadcast with Golden West. And suddenly he had a lot of friends saying, ‘Hey, remember that time I lent you money?’”

With a fundraising goal of $238,000 earmarked for essential medical equipment next year, including crucial items like ICU beds, vital sign monitors, and a vein finder, every ticket purchased supports vital healthcare in the region. As the 50/50 launch unfolds, residents across Manitoba are invited to join the excitement, buy a ticket, and help reach the foundation’s ambitious target.

How to get your tickets

The BTHCF 50/50 fundraiser, open until December 20th, offers ticket bundles with prices starting at 10 for $20. With three early bird draws for $1,000, the fundraiser aims to build excitement while supporting critical health needs. Visit the website, www.bthcf5050.ca, follow BTHC Foundation on social media, or stop by in person to purchase tickets.

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