Thunder Bay 50/50 Store Secures Long-Term Home Inside Intercity Shopping Centre
Published Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Photo Caption – Glenn Craig, CEO; Cassandra Carangi, Development Assistant; and Torin Gunnell, Director of Lotteries, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation; Ken White, Volunteer, Thunder Bay 50/50 Store; Kirk Arends, Vice President, Charitable Gaming Operations, Canada Banknote Company; and Heather White, Volunteer, Thunder Bay 50/50 Store.
The Thunder Bay 50/50 Store has officially found its forever home inside the Intercity Shopping Centre. Following months of planning and a strong partnership with Intercity, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation has signed a long-term agreement to keep the store right where supporters have come to expect it, permanently.
“The Thunder Bay 50/50 store has become such an important part of who we are,” said Torin Gunnell, Director, Lotteries for the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “It's where we have the opportunity to meet the people who make our success possible. Keeping it at Intercity means our supporters can continue to walk up, chat with our team, and buy their tickets in person; it's about being accessible to everyone.”
Since opening its doors, the Thunder Bay 50/50 Store has served thousands of visitors and sold millions of dollars in tickets for the Thunder Bay 50/50 Draw, supporting vital healthcare equipment and services across northwestern Ontario. The store's success has not only contributed to record-breaking draws but has also built a strong sense of community around the lottery.
Gunnell noted that the in-person store offers a level of connection that can't be replicated online. “Not everyone buys their tickets digitally,” he said. “Many of our supporters look forward to coming in, chatting with our team, and feeling part of something bigger. This store gives them that personal experience, and we're excited to keep that going for years to come.”
He also emphasized the important role of the staff and volunteers who make the operation possible. “Our team works tirelessly to create a welcoming, friendly environment. Without them, none of this would be possible. They're the heart of the Thunder Bay 50/50 Store, and we're incredibly grateful for everything they do. The contribution that our volunteers make to the success of the Thunder Bay 50/50 is truly incalculable. They show up every week ready to sell tickets and connect with our buyers, and we're incredibly thankful for their support.”
The store's permanent location at Intercity Shopping Centre allows the Thunder Bay 50/50 to continue growing while offering an easy, central place for supporters to purchase tickets, ask questions, and learn more about the impact of their contributions.
“The Thunder Bay 50/50 is the largest hospital 50/50 draw anywhere in Canada,” Gunnell said. “None of this is possible without our supporters, so whether you prefer to purchase in person or online, we're keeping the store so you have options — especially with Christmas coming up. More information about that will be released soon.”
“Our relationship with Intercity Shopping Centre goes back decades,” said Glenn Craig, CEO of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. “What started as paper tickets sold from a card table has grown into a permanent storefront that's become a true community hub. This partnership has evolved right alongside the Thunder Bay 50/50 itself, and we couldn't be more grateful to have such strong local support as we continue to grow.”
The Thunder Bay 50/50 Store is located inside Intercity Shopping Centre, next to New York Fries in the Food Court, open during regular mall hours.
