FAQs


What is the Tree of Hope 50/50 Raffle?

This 50/50 is a fundraiser for Family and Children’s Services Foundation (see below for more about us), supported by CHYM 96.7, 570 NewsRadio Kitchener, and Country 106.7. The ticket sales for 50/50 will begin on Monday November 4th at 12:01am ET. Sales will close on Thursday, on December 19th at 8:45AM ET.

The raffle is held in support of Family & Children’s Services Foundation and proceeds fund programs and services in Waterloo Region that prevent child abuse and neglect. The Foundation does this through programs that build resilience and mitigate poverty. The Foundation is committed to making philanthropy more equitable and to social innovation.

What does Family and Children’s Services Foundation do?

Since 1991, the Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region Foundation has provided non-government funded early intervention and prevention programs and services that promote the safety and well-being of children, youth and families in Waterloo Region, helping children and their families to stay together and thrive! We focus on building resilience, poverty mitigation, equity in philanthropy and social innovation. To learn more about what we do, visit our website.

When are the Early Bird prize deadlines?

There is (1) Early Bird prize available to previous raffle ticket buyers, Foundation donors, and FACS Waterloo Agency staff. That draw will take place on Thursday November 14th, 2024, at 8:45am. There are (3) Early Bird prizes available throughout the remaining duration of the raffle between November 15th – December 19, 2024. Prize deadlines will be November 22nd, 2024, at 8:45am, November 29th at 8:45am, and December 6th at 8:45am. Individuals must purchase tickets before the stated deadline in the official Rules of Play. Please refer to the Rules of Play for a description of the early bird prize and draw time.

If I purchase tickets before an Early Bird deadline, will they be eligible for subsequent Early Bird prizes?

Yes! Individuals that purchase tickets before an Early Bird deadline are eligible for all remaining Early Bird prizes PLUS the grand prize jackpot on December 19th 2024.

Who is eligible to purchase 50/50 tickets online?

Individuals who meet the following criteria are eligible to purchase online 50/50 tickets:

  • Must be 18 years of age or older at the time of purchase
  • Must be located within the Province of Ontario at time of purchase
  • Must not be one of the following:
      • An employee of the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario
      • Family & Children’s Services of the Waterloo Region Foundation staff and Board of Directors
      • An employee of the supplier of the BUMP 50/50 System who are involved with the development and/or support of the 50/50 System
      • Members of the same household of each of the above

Do I have to live in Ontario to play?

Individuals do not need to live in the province of Ontario to purchase a 50/50 ticket, but they do need to be physically located within the province of Ontario at the time of purchase of their online 50/50 ticket to be eligible to play.

How can I pay for my online 50/50 ticket?

Individuals can purchase 50/50 tickets online with the following payment types:

  • Visa
  • Mastercard
  • Debit cards

Can I get a tax receipt for my 50/50 ticket purchase?

Unfortunately, no. Lottery ticket purchases are not tax deductible as per the CRA guidelines. This is because there is a chance that you will be winning a prize.

What should I do if I cannot access the online 50/50 ticket purchase page?

Per Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulations, please be advised that individuals must be located within the province of Ontario at the time of purchase. The locations services on individuals’ purchasing devices must be turned on to verify location prior to entry to the online 50/50 sales platform. Users must also agree to all Terms and Conditions outlined to access the page.

What should I do if I purchased a 50/50 ticket but did not receive numbers?

If an individual purchases a 50/50 ticket but does not receive numbers, they should check their junk or spam folders in the event it was flagged by their email provider. If they still do not have their 50/50 tickets, contact TOH5050@facswaterloo.org and our support staff will re-send raffle numbers (some verification will be required).

How do I find out if I have the winning 50/50 number?

The winning number for the Grand Prize jackpot will be announced at 8:45 am EST on Thursday, December 19th, 2024. The winning number will be announced by broadcast CHYM 96.7 and then shared on our website, social media channels and in print on site. The winner will be contacted directly by a representative from FACS Foundation by phone and/or email.

Early bird prize winners will be notified by a representative from FACS Foundation by phone and/or email.

What does a “guaranteed minimum prize” mean?

This means that no matter what, we guarantee that the winner of the final draw will receive a minimum prize of $5,000. Of course, the final prize is anticipated to be much higher as it will encompass all ticket sales purchased during the 50/50 raffle period (November 4th, 2024 – December 19th, 2024).

Can I buy tickets for other people?

Yes, you can! You simply enter their email address during the purchase stage. However, all other information must match with the payment method information. This means you will enter the other person’s email but use whatever name and address that is connected to the payment method. The receipt and the actual raffle numbers will be emailed directly to them. If you need a record of your purchase, we suggest taking a screen capture when you have completed the transaction.

What if I have a question you didn’t answer?

Please reach out to us at TOH5050@facswaterloo.org and one of the Foundation team members will contact you within 3 business days.