Nova Scotia Press Release – Jays Care 50/50

Nova Scotia Press Release

  

media@bluejays.com | bluejayspressbox.com | @BlueJays 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia 

February 12, 2024 

 

JAYS CARE ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF 50/50 PROGRAM TO NOVA SCOTIA
Provincial governments agree to framework allowing Nova Scotians to participate in MLB-leading 50/50 raffle 
 

Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of the Toronto Blue Jays, is proud to officially announce the expansion of its MLB-leading 50/50 program to Nova Scotia. The provincial governments of Ontario and Nova Scotia have agreed to a framework extending 50/50 sales to Blue Jays fans located in the province of Nova Scotia. This expansion is the first of its kind in Canadian sports. 

Jays Care’s 50/50 raffle program gives Blue Jays fans an exciting opportunity to win life-changing jackpots, while also raising important funds for kids in their local community. Half of the proceeds from each ticket sold go towards the grand prize jackpot, while the other half are invested directly into supporting kids in Jays Care programming. Sales occur both online and in-stadium during Blue Jays games throughout the season. The program has been a resounding success in Ontario, raising more than $16 million supporting kids in Jays Care programming across the province last year. Since 2021, eight Blue Jays fans have become millionaires through 50/50 jackpots. Jays Care also holds the record for the largest jackpot in MLB history, awarding a $5.9 million grand prize in September of last season. 

With this expansion, fans who purchase a 50/50 ticket in Ontario or Nova Scotia, are eligible to win the same grand prize, as well as all early bird prizes available after the time of purchase. All proceeds from tickets sold in Ontario and Nova Scotia, will be directly invested into supporting kids in Jays Care programs across that respective province. 

Jays Care has a long-standing history of community investment in Nova Scotia. In 2023, more than 2,400 children and youth participated in Jays Care’s play-based programming across the province, and there are currently 16 Affiliate Schools running Jays Care programs across Nova Scotia. Through its Field Of Dreams program, Jays Care has also invested more than $685,000 to build and refurbish baseball diamonds in six communities throughout Nova Scotia. Jays Care also supported in relief efforts and the redevelopment of diamonds in Nova Scotia following Hurricane Fiona in 2022. 

Quotes 

“Jays Care is thrilled to welcome fans across Nova Scotia to participate in MLB’s largest 50/50 and even more excited to extend our impact to more children and youth in communities across Nova Scotia. Jays Care’s evidence-based, innovative and inclusive programs reach kids who are often left on the sidelines and this expansion will allow more young people the chance to develop a sense of belonging, build confidence and be active. We are extremely grateful to the governments of Ontario and Nova Scotia whose staff worked tirelessly to bring this initiative to life.” – Robert Witchel, Executive Director, Jays Care Foundation  

“The interprovincial expansion of the Jays Care 50/50 raffle is a historic and first-of-its kind initiative. Our government is pleased to work with the Province of Nova Scotia and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to support the charitable works of the Jays Care Foundation through this responsible and sustainable framework." – Doug Downey, Ontario Attorney General 

“Jays Care Foundation supports sports programs in Nova Scotia and across the country. We’re grateful for the opportunity to work with Jays Care on this exciting initiative, which will help youth across our province.”– Tim Houston, Premier of Nova Scotia 

Jays Care is proud to partner with its long-time raffle technology partner BUMP, a subsidiary of Canadian Bank Note Company, Limited, to deliver this opportunity to Nova Scotians. Sales for the first 50/50 jackpot of the season are expected to open in late March ahead of Opening Day. Blue Jays fans in both Ontario and Nova Scotia who are interested in participating in this season’s Jays Care 50/50 raffle, or want to learn more about this exciting opportunity, can visit bluejays.com/5050.

Media Contact 

Joey Quintanilha, Joey.Quintanilha@bluejays.com, 647.407.8129 

 

– BLUE JAYS –