(Right to left) Mike Veres, winner of this year’s Igniting Healthcare 50/50 jackpot, celebrates the win with his wife, Wendy, and Mary Lou Crowley, President & CEO of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation.

A 50/50 draw in support of Chatham-Kent’s hospital is returning to the community for another year.

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation will launch its annual Igniting Healthcare 50/50 FUNdraiser on Wednesday at 7 a.m.

All proceeds raised will go towards the purchase of a Sterrad Unit for the hospital, which is used to safely sterilize medical instruments and materials.

For the first time since its inception, the 50/50 draw will also offer three early bird draw prizes. The first draw for a $1,000 cash prize will take place on June 2, the second draw for a Broil King Keg Charcoal Smoker/BBQ will take place on June 16, and the third draw for a Pelican Magna 100 Packaged 1-Person Kayak will take place on June 30.

Anyone who purchases a ticket prior to 2 p.m. on the draw dates will automatically be entered into the early bird draws. Early bird prize winners will still be eligible to win the grand prize jackpot, which will be drawn on July 12.

Last year’s draw raised a total of $253,680, with Chatham native Mike Veres and his wife Wendy taking home the $126,840 jackpot.

Tickets for the 50/50 draw can be purchased at the foundation office at 9 Ursuline Ave. in Chatham or online by clicking here.