50/50 For Change just had one of its biggest and best years on record. 

This year's campaign, which was in support of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 in Swift Current, saw a huge turnout in the last few days. The charity campaign saw the total raised jump from $11,600 on Wednesday morning to a whopping $25,000 by Friday afternoon. 

The winning ticket this afternoon was drawn at Golden West Broadcasting in downtown Swift Current by Robert John Watson. Watson is a WWII veteran, who served with the Royal Regina Rifles in 1944. 

Watson pulled out ticket #1807, which belonged to John Swain, who lives near Blumenort, south of the city. 

"I saw on Swift Current Online that you would be selling tickets at Candian Tire," said Swain. " I thought 'You know, I haven't donated to the Legion in a while' and thought this would be a good time to buy some tickets. I guess I got them just in time!"

Swain got half of the total prize pool, which comes out to $12,250. When Colin Powers got ahold of Swain, he was in disbelief. 

"Whoa!", said Swain upon hearing he had won. "You gotta be kidding!"

Swain, who is a retired RCMP officer, had initially missed the call when the draw was made and said the first thing he was going to do was give half of the winnings to his wife. 

"She can decide what she is going to do [with her money]," said Swain. "Christmas is coming, and I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but money always comes in handy."

This year, the 50/50 For Change campaign was only $2,560 shy of the all-time record. The Legion will be utilizing the money to rebuild their front entryways at the Legion Hall. 

Not only will they be looking after themselves, but they will also be putting half the money towards the local cadets groups in Swift Current. 

John Griffin, public relations officer and museum coordinator for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56 was himself a cadet back in his day. 

"The cadets do a lot for us at the Legion," said Griffin. "They serve as our honour guard as well as our colour party at our ceremonies."

Golden West Broadcasting would like to thank every one of the sponsors and hosts for this year's 50/50 For Change. Each business that hosted the live broadcasts and ticket sales played a key part in ensuring this year was as big a success as it was. 

 

-Candian Tire

-Nijo Yard Supply

-Voths Brand Source

-A.M. Delivery and Courier Service

-Pioneer Co-op

-B&A Petroleum

-Pratt Denture Clinic

-Brightsand Gravel and Aggregate

-The Brick

-Urban Cellars

 

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