FORT McMURRAY, AB — The Winning Split 50/50 raffle has a winner. Following the close of ticket sales on Monday, September 7 at 11:59 PM, the official draw was held Tuesday, September 8, and winning ticket number D-23656 has been selected.

The Winning Split raised a total of $133,770 over the Wood Buffalo Ribfest weekend (September 4–7). The winning ticket holder takes home $66,885, with the remaining half shared equally between two community organizations: $33,442.50 each to CMHA Wood Buffalo and the Local HERO Foundation.

“What this community accomplished in a single weekend is absolutely amazing,” said Chris Wilson, CEO and Managing Partner of Birch Mountain Enterprises, the raffle’s Official Raffle Partner. “Every ticket sold was an act of generosity, and the result is a life-changing prize for one lucky winner and meaningful support for two organizations doing pivotal work in Wood Buffalo. Birch Mountain Enterprises is proud to stand behind CMHA Wood Buffalo and the Local HERO Foundation, and prouder still of the community that made this possible.”

The holder of ticket D-23656 has 30 days to present their winning ticket and claim their prize. Ticket holders are encouraged to check their tickets now. Anyone who believes they hold the winning ticket should contact the Local HERO Foundation (details below).

“We are so thankful to all the volunteers and supporters who came out to Ribfest this weekend, as well as the supporters from all over Alberta,” said Lorna Ash of the Local HERO Foundation. “When a medical emergency happens in this region, a medevac flight can be the difference between life and death. Every dollar raised through The Winning Split helps ensure that critical air medical transport is there for the people of Wood Buffalo when they need it most. We couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Mental health impacts all of us, and the support we receive through events like Ribfest helps ensure we can continue to be there for people in our community when they need us,” said Susan Goll, Executive Director, CMHA Wood Buffalo Region. “Every dollar raised stays right here in Wood Buffalo and helps us continue providing important mental health programs and supports. We are incredibly grateful to the Ribfest Committee, all of the volunteers and supporters, and Wood Buffalo Ribfest for making that possible. We truly could not do what we do without the support of our community, and we look forward to another great Ribfest next year.”

The raffle was conducted under AGLC Raffle Licence #784745.