‘Best Christmas surprise ever’: Winner of record-breaking Firefighters 50/50 draw in shock

A local woman is celebrating a two-million-dollar prize after winning the N.S. Firefighters’ 50/50 draw.

Tracey DeWolfe from Fall River, N.S., is celebrating a $2.3-million prize after winning the biggest Firefighters 50/50 draw yet.

“I already saw the winning number, but it took them to call me to hit home that it was the same number,” said DeWolfe.

The draw saw more than $4.6 million in tickets purchased by Nova Scotia residents. DeWolfe said she bought the ticket around 6:30 p.m. Friday evening.

“My heart was pretty much going to jump out of my chest and definitely not something I would ever expect to happen. This was the best Christmas surprise ever,” she said.

“I only got one ticket, it only takes one ticket to win.”

The Nova Scotia Firefighters 50/50 jackpot supports volunteer and career fire departments across the province, helping fund equipment, training and community safety initiatives.

“It’s been able to better train our firefighters and equip them better to help the public service,” said Andrew Walls, captain of the Amherst Fire Department.

“Nova Scotians are very generous, they certainly support their firefighters. We can feel it, and we appreciate your support.”

Dewolfe says she has no immediate plans to change her routine.

“Still going to work at least for a little bit, till I think about the plan and talk to some financial planners. This was not on my bingo card for the year or even my lifetime, but I am very grateful.”

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