Your Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation has now joined a partnership of over 50 Ontario Hospitals that have come together to bring you groundbreaking ways to win and support!  An anticipated and amplified jackpots means an increased number of lucky winners.  Draws will take play quarterly for 2024, each including multiple early bird draws and a grand prize that is split between 13 lucky winners!  The Foundation will be sharing direct links and QR codes to purchase tickets for the Split the Pot Lottery throughout the community and via social media in order to advertise and encourage participation.  When the link or code is used, SLMHC is automatically selected from the list of partners and a higher percentage of sales through this link comes back to SLMHC!  Look for these links and codes on our posters and advertising. Join us in supporting Healthcare Excellence in Ontario, including Healthcare in our own backyard! 

From left: SLMHC Foundation President Christine Hoey, CUPE 4373 Secretary Nicole Wooden, CUPE 4373 Treasurer Tony Anderson, CUPE 4373 President Christina Davis, CUPE 4373 Executive Member Christine Tavares, SLMHC Foundation Board Member Rita Demetzer, SLMHC Foundation Vice-Chair Jackie Duhamel, and Melissa Slade, Donor Relations/Operations Coordinator, SLMHC Foundation.  (Photo and Story Courtesy Tim Brody / Sioux Lookout Bulletin)

MRI – Transforming Our Regional Health Care, One Image at a Time is the new slogan for this campaign that speaks to how this equipment will enhance health care in the region. Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) announced in February 2023 that it will receive base funding from Ontario Health Northwest to support the operation of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner. SLMHC is responsible for all capital costs associated with construction to house the new MRI, as well as the scanner itself. As new building construction is required, the cost is estimated to be around $7 million. On December 1, 2023, the SLMHC Foundation launched a fundraising campaign to directly support the required costs associated with this project to make a locally available MRI a reality within our region.

Members of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary Br. 78 pose with SLMHC hospital and Foundation staff alongside the new long bed acquired as a result of the auxiliary’s fundraising efforts. From left: Kate Singbeil (SLMHC Patient Care Manager/Med Surge/ER/Day Med), Melissa Slade (Foundation Donor Relations/Operations Coordinator), Dean Osmond (SLMHC President and CEO), Legion Ladies Auxiliary Members Carol-Ann Madsen, Jacqueline Southwell, Charron Sippola, Mario, Serson and Sandra Lockhart. (Photo courtesy Tim Brody / Sioux Lookout Bulletin)

The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation is pleased to begin its 25th Annual Tree of Hearts Campaign. It provides an opportunity for community members to remember or honour loved ones through purchasing decorative lights.

Foundation News: SLMHC Foundation (January 2024) We are excited to bring you news and updates on what is happening at your SLMHC Health Centre Foundation. Our intentions are to make this a monthly feature, talking about updates on fundraising events – past and present, reporting on equipment purchased at your Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre and how it assists our health care professionals in carrying out their jobs. The SLMHC Foundation is the entity that carries out, implements and reaches out to find funding sources for equipment purchases.  As you may or may not be aware, governments build hospitals with capital equipment costs at the initial stages of the build however does not provide any funding sources for the upgrades, replacement or new equipment costs moving forward.   The Foundation here in Sioux Lookout is extremely grateful to individuals, businesses, families and 3rd party fundraising groups that over the past 20+ years have been very generous in their time and resources.  They have created a legacy by donating to the Foundation and ultimately creating more efficient, quality health care for everyone in our community and throughout Northwestern Ontario.

It was a happy Christmas surprise for Mike Laverty of Sioux Lookout, who took home $2,635 after lucky ticket number, II-7924953, was drawn on December 5th during the final Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw of 2023. Our winner came to claim his prize with a smile and excitement, both for the news of the win and also for the knowledge that the proceeds stay local and make a difference to healthcare here at SLMHC. He and his family plan to use the winnings toward a family vacation that is currently in the works. Mike has been a regular Foundation 50/50 lottery supporter since it’s beginnings and we are grateful for the ongoing support!

An MRI unit is a step closer to becoming a reality in Sioux Lookout thanks to the support of a long-time local family. On Dec. 15, members of the Morgan family, joined by their staff at Morgan Fuels, presented representatives from the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation with a cheque for $150,000 to be put towards an MRI unit for the Meno Ya Win Health Centre. Darrell Morgan, who is also president of Morgan Fuels, shared, ““The Morgan family, being part of Sioux Lookout and wanting to give back to the community… We see that that as a regional thing that will serve not only the surrounding communities close by, but all the northern First Nations as well and we feel the importance of that. To help with healthcare in the region is vital and very much needed in our area and we wanted to be involved and help get it started.”

The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation is excited to announce that, as of today, the MRI Fundraising Campaign is officially under way. SLMHC will receive base funding from Ontario Health North West to support the operation of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scanner. SLMHC is responsible for all capital costs associated with construction to house the new MRI Scanner, as well as the MRI itself. The cost is estimated around seven-million dollars. The SLMHC Foundation says this fundraising campaign will directly support the capital costs associated with the new MRI Scanner.

An impromptu ticket purchase at a local Legion meat raffle was without buyer’s remorse for Cathy Bowen from Sioux Lookout, who took home $4,400 after lucky ticket number, HH-6079493, was drawn during the November 7th Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw. Our winner took a bit of time to come forward to claim the win as this purchase method is not the norm for her she said. “I usually buy my tickets online and so I was checking my email for my tickets.” After a coworker told her that the lucky winning ticket was sold in person and that she should be looking for a piece of paper, Cathy remembered the slip full of ticket numbers that she had tucked into her wallet after buying tickets at the Legion event. The rest is history as they say. Cathy is a regular Foundation 50/50 lottery supporter since it’s beginnings and we are grateful for the ongoing support!

Luck strikes again for Ottawa resident Justin Holland, who took home $2,775 after lucky ticket number, GG-7385576, was drawn during the October 3rd Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw. Our winner was patiently awaiting our call upon receiving the email with the winning ticket number for yesterday’s draw. “I know why you are calling; I got the email and checked my ticket right away!” he said happily when we spoke with him. Justin told us that he regularly purchases tickets for Northern Ontario hospital draws including ours as healthcare in the north is something that is near and dear to him. He was born in and is originally from the north even though he has since relocated to Ottawa, and feels that the Northern Ontario healthcare system needs the support. This is Justin’s second win with the SLMHC Foundation 50/50 lottery since it’s beginnings and we are grateful for the ongoing support!

Lynn Baxter, from Shunia, took home $3,395 after lucky ticket number, FF-8541864, was drawn during the September 5th Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw. Our winner was pleasantly surprised upon receiving the news informing her of the win. She told us that she had been away and out of service during the time of the draw and the following few days. When she returned, she listened to her voicemails and began the task of returning calls. Ours was on the list and the rest as they say, is history. Lynn told us that she regularly purchases tickets for local hospital draws including ours and we are grateful for the ongoing support!

Olga, from Dryden, took home $4,015 after lucky ticket number, EE-6078267, was drawn during the August 8 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw. Our winner was pleasantly surprised upon receiving the call informing her of the win. This is Olga’s second win within the monthly draws as she previous took home $1,000 in an early bird prize a little while ago.

Bev Bond, from Fort Frances, took home $5,000 after lucky ticket number, DD-7987680, was drawn during the July 4 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw. Our winner was elated upon receiving the call informing her of the win. She had just finished some errands and when asked if she had any plans for her winnings, she mentioned that she would “need to just sit down and think about it” as she was still in a bit of shock over the news. Bev told us she regularly purchases tickets for the 50/50 draw at Meno Ya Win but but also for health care draws throughout the region as she feels that it’s needed funds going to a great cause.

Joseph (Rob) Cantin, from Sioux Lookout, took home $5,000 after lucky ticket number, CC-5230630, was drawn during the June 6 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw. Our winner was “in shock” upon receiving the call informing him of the win. Rob told us that not only does his son work at Meno Ya Win but that he purchases tickets regularly for this 50/50 draw as he wants to support the local hospital. He plans to share his winnings with his family.

Paul Zdrill, from Kenora, took home $7,870 after lucky ticket number, BB-9969491, was drawn during the May 2 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw. Our winner was in disbelief upon receiving the call informing him of the win. “Is this a prank?” he said. Paul told us that he purchased tickets this past weekend thinking that the draw took place last week, and so he wanted to get tickets for the next draw. What he didn’t realize was that with draw dates now having changed to the first Tuesday of each month, he actually bought a second set of tickets for this draw. That second set contained the lucky ticket!

Rosemarie Philpott, from Sioux Lookout, took home $8,560 after lucky ticket number, AA-9294426, was drawn during the April 4 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Jackpot recipient and Sioux Lookout resident, Michelle Coates is taking home $5,000! Her ticket number, Z-6920012, was drawn during the Feb. 17 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation is pleased to begin its 24th Annual Tree of Hearts Campaign. It provides an opportunity for community members to remember or honour loved ones through purchasing decorative lights.

Jackpot recipient and Red Lake resident, Nerissa Spinelli, is taking home $7,630! Her ticket number, Y-5514344, was drawn during the Jan. 20 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Tammy Perreault and Eric Ingram, from Sioux Lookout, are the lucky recipients of the last jackpot draw of 2022! They received $9,112 after lucky ticket number, X-5772350, was drawn during the Sept. 16 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Harrison Hoey, from Sioux Lookout, took home $6,270 after lucky ticket number, W-7603275, was drawn during the Nov. 18 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Frenchman’s Head resident, Meequin Angeconeb, is the lucky winner of $5,185! Her ticket number, V-1459603, was drawn during the Oct. 14 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Brittany Garner, from Sioux Lookout, took home $6,128 after lucky ticket number, U-9297570, was drawn during the Sept. 16 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Joel Paquet, from Thunder Bay, took home $9,382 after having his winning ticket number, T-8169609, drawn during the August 19 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Sioux Lookout citizen, Allan Lago has claimed the July 22 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 jackpot. Lucky number S-5889159 was the ticket that secured the $7,418 prize for the longtime resident.

Kathy Hager, from Kenora, is the lucky recipient of the June 17 jackpot draw. Winning ticket number, R-3324691 was drawn during the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Congratulations to local 50/50 winner, Jeff Caughill! The jackpot of $10,150 will be staying in Sioux Lookout.

Congratulations to Ottawa resident, Justin Holland, recipient of April’s jackpot prize. Number P-9336212 was the lucky ticket for the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 lottery prize of $9,120 on April 14.

Sioux Lookout is home to the most recent jackpot winner and ticket holder of lucky number O-7947876. Cindy Phillips is taking home $10,855 after winning the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 lottery on March 18.

Tamara Varney, from Thunder Bay, has an extra $10,075 in her bank account after having her winning ticket number, N-6544422, drawn during the Feb. 18 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Lori Butler, from Longbow Lake, took home $20,395 after having her winning ticket number, M-6111755, drawn during the Jan. 14 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Trina Smallwood, from Thunder Bay, took home $9,788 after having her winning ticket number, L-4353030, drawn during the Nov. 17 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and ideal timing calls for the celebration of a wonderful addition, Magseed technology at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC)!

Kathy Hager, from Kenora, took home $10,050 after having her winning ticket number, K-6660897, drawn during the Oct. 13 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

The 10th anniversary Bearskin Airlines Skip to Equip Classic is on its way to the Ojibway Golf and Curling Club this November!  Due to COVID-19, last year’s event was cancelled, and the organizers are thrilled to be able to host again.

Renata Bruce, from Shuniah, took home $9,498 after having her winning ticket number, J-3637121, drawn during the Sept. 10 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Ashley Magiskan, from Thunder Bay, took home $13,242 after having her winning ticket number drawn during the August 11 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

With our monthly Early Bird Draws, ticket buyers have the opportunity to win $1000 when they purchase their 50/50 tickets early! This month’s $1000 prize was generously donated by Rikki Burke, in loving memory of Andrew Burke; husband, father, brother and friend.

Delphine Crane, from Sioux Lookout, took home $14,148 after having her winning ticket number, H-5630474, drawn during the July 9 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

This month’s Early Bird Draw is generously sponsored by an anonymous donor. The donation of $1000 was made to support the Foundation and the health care community. Thank you again to our generous donor!

Lori-Lynne Levesque, from Dryden, took home $18,425 after winning the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundations’ June 11 50/50 draw.

This month’s $1000 prize was generously donated by Christa Schulz in memory of her husband Klaus Schulz. Thank you Christa for your generous donation! The next Early Bird Draw is on May 21 at 11 a.m. Get tickets before this time to get a chance to take home $1000.

Ralph Raspado, from Sioux Lookout, took home $25,648 after having his winning ticket number drawn during the May 12 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Katherine Beardy, from Sioux Lookout, took home $36,370 after having her winning ticket number drawn during the April 9 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

For this month’s Early Bird Draw, the $1000 prize was generously donated by the George family (Jack, Bill, Maria, Julia, Natalie and Bruce), in memory of Arlene George, who is always in their hearts and minds. Thank you the George family for their generous donation! The next Early Bird Draw is on April 23 at 11 a.m. Get your tickets for the 50/50 draw before this time to get a chance to take home $1000.

Aaron Haagsma, Meredith Culham, Jody Morin and Rick Young, all from Sioux Lookout, took home $40,268 after they pooled together tickets at their workplace and had their winning number drawn during the March 10 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Sandra Litwin, from Red Lake, took home $52,052 after her winning ticket was drawn during the Feb. 10 Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 draw.

Jeremy Caul, and his family, took home $45,282 after their winning Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundation 50/50 ticket was drawn on Jan. 8.

Sioux Lookout resident Rebecca Kiepek took home $21,268 in the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) Foundations’ first monthly 50/50 draw after her winning ticket was drawn on Dec. 10.

$80,000.00 in 2019! Over $575,000.00 raised in nine years!
Thank you to the organizing committee, participants and pledgers, and sponsors for another great event. The teams had a great time and we’re expecting many of them back for our 10th anniversary event in 2021. The event is postponed in 2020 due to the corona virus pandemic. The SLMHC Foundation is grateful for the hard work, enthusiasm and commitment to this event and to always improving patient and resident care at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre.