A resident of Barrie, Ontario, is celebrating a life-changing windfall after securing the top prize in a popular hospital fundraiser. Nathan Dekleyne was announced as the winner of the November 2025 RVH Auxiliary 50/50 draw, claiming a jackpot worth $342,745.
A Surprise Win for a Local Resident
The winning draw was conducted by the Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) Auxiliary, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the Barrie-based hospital. The 50/50 raffle is a recurring initiative where half of the total ticket sales pool forms the jackpot, with the other half directly benefiting patient care and hospital services at RVH. Dekleyne's substantial win highlights the significant community support for the hospital, translating into a major personal prize for one lucky participant.
Supporting Healthcare Close to Home
While the focus is rightly on the winner's joy, the draw serves a greater purpose. Funds raised through the RVH Auxiliary 50/50 are crucial for enhancing healthcare in the Simcoe Muskoka region. The auxiliary has a long history of funding essential medical equipment, patient comfort programs, and facility upgrades that go beyond government funding. Every ticket purchased represents a direct contribution to local health services, making winners out of both the jackpot recipient and the entire community that relies on RVH.
The announcement of Nathan Dekleyne's win was made public on December 1, 2025. Such stories often inspire increased participation in subsequent draws, as community members see the tangible possibility of winning while supporting a vital public institution. The RVH Auxiliary typically holds monthly draws, offering continuous opportunities for support and prize wins.
The Impact of Community Lotteries
Hospital 50/50 draws have become a staple fundraising model across Canada, particularly in Ontario. They offer a compelling alternative to national lottery games by keeping the prize pool and the benefits localized. For the winner, it's a sudden financial boost; for the hospital, it's a reliable stream of philanthropic revenue. This model fosters a powerful sense of community investment, where residents can see their contributions at work in their local healthcare facility.
While details of how Nathan Dekleyne plans to use his newfound fortune are private, his win is a testament to the success of community-driven fundraising. It underscores how everyday actions, like purchasing a raffle ticket, can lead to extraordinary outcomes for individuals and vital institutions alike. The RVH Auxiliary congratulates its latest winner and thanks all ticket buyers for their ongoing support of Royal Victoria Hospital.
