Your guide to the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50

1. Why does this raffle exist?

This raffle was established during the challenging times of COVID-19 when traditional fundraising events were no longer possible.

Many fire departments faced the risk of being unable to provide essential services to their communities or even having to close their doors. In response to this urgent need, a creative solution was needed, and this weekly raffle fundraiser was born out of community support.

The raffle's growth is a reflection of the community's dedication to supporting one another. 

Funds raised here stay here.

2. Who oversees the operation of this raffle?

Powered by Rafflebox, the Amherst Fire Fighter's Association takes charge of administering and organizing the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50. 

Ultimately, this raffle is governed by the province of Nova Scotia and operates in strict compliance with the online gaming regulations set by the Alcohol and Gaming Division of Nova Scotia (AGD).

3. Why can't I find my department on the list?

If your fire department is not listed, don't worry! We have grown from 8 to over 286 participating groups in the past 4 years, and we continue to welcome new additions. While some groups may choose not to participate, you can always reach out to encourage your department to join in on the support and excitement!

4. If the grand prize winner receives 50%, where does the other 50% go?

50% goes to the winner and the other 50%, minus taxes, expenses & administrative fees, goes back to the participating departments based on ticket buyer support. The department the grand prize winner selected in support of their purchase receives a bonus $1,000 on top of what they generated from support that week.

5. What do you do with the funds raised from this raffle?

The funds raised from this raffle go directly back into the hands of local firefighters and fire groups across the province. These funds are utilized to purchase essential equipment, life-saving apparatus, renew equipment licenses, provide training, and support the community. Thanks to the support of community members across Nova Scotia, fire departments can now operate more effectively than ever before. It's truly something we can all take pride in.

Hammonds Plains Volunteer Firefighters Society was able to provide community support to Camp Courage: First Responders Society.

Reserve Mines Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase a new 3/4 ton truck.

Pictou Landing Fire Department was able to purchase a new truck.

4 Valleys Fire Department was able to purchase new equipment.

Albert Bridge Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase a new-to-them rescue truck.

North Sydney Fire & Rescue was able to purchase new PPE for their members.

Thorburn Fire Department was able to purchase new technology.

Martin's River Fire Department was able to purchase new life-saving equipment.

Hantsport Fire Department was able to purchase new cordless equipment.

Caribou District Fire Department was able to purchase new tools.

Marion Bridge Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase new mustang ice rescue suits.

Amherst Firefighters Association was able to provide community support to the After The School Bell Food Program.

Lantz Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase new emergency rescue equipment.

Port Hawkesbury Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase new helmets.

Eureka & District Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase new radios.

Island & Barrington Passage Fire Department was able to purchase a new rescue truck.

North Shore Volunteer Fire Department was able to purchase new equipment.

Yarmouth Professional Firefighters Association was able to provide community support to the Yarmouth Chapter of Special Olympics Nova Scotia.

6. How does the 50/50 grand prize draw work?

Supporters can purchase ticket entries into the 50/50 grand prize jackpot each week. The more tickets you buy, the more chances you have to win. Remember, only one ticket can win the 50/50 grand prize draw. The raffle begins every Thursday and ends the same day at 9 PM AST, starting again at around 9:30 PM AST.

7. How does the $1,000 early bird draw work?

If you purchase tickets for the regular 50/50 grand prize jackpot before Monday nights @ 11:59 PM, you will also be entered to win our $1,000 early bird prize. The early bird winner's ticket number goes back into the grand prize draw.

The early bird winner is announced every Tuesday morning on the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50 Facebook Page, emailed to subscribers, and the winning ticket number is posted on firefighters5050.com.

8. How does the 5 x $1,000 bonus raffle draw work?

If you purchase tickets for the bonus raffle, you can win one of the 5 x $1,000 bonus prizes. This ticket purchase is optional and is an additional purchase from your regular 50/50 ticket purchase.

9. How do you pick the winner(s)?

We use Rafflebox's certified Random Number Generator (RNG) to select all of our winners. Just like a physical raffle drum would mix tickets, Rafflebox's RNG algorithm mixes the tickets around and randomly selects one ticket number as the winner.

10. How do you contact the winner(s)?

Winners will be contacted via phone and/or email to claim their prize. The winner's name will not be shared externally until they confirm their details.

11. Do you conduct the draws live?

No, the draw is not broadcast live each week. There are three draws per week:

1️⃣ Tuesday: $1,000 Early Bird
2️⃣ Thursday: Grand Prize 50/50
3️⃣ Friday: 5 x $1,000 Bonus Raffle

The winning ticket number is posted consistently after each draw. Winners will be contacted via phone and/or email to claim their prize. The grand prize winner's name will not be shared externally until they confirm their details.

12. Where can I find winner announcements?

Announced weekly on the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50 Facebook Page, two weekly emails to subscribers, and the winning numbers can be found on the raffle webpage under "Winners & Prizes".

13. Do you have to be a resident of Nova Scotia to be eligible to win?

Yes. Players must be an individual, a resident of Nova Scotia, and at least 19 years of age to purchase.

A Nova Scotia driver's license or valid Nova Scotia ID card will be used to determine residency. Only one name is to be entered on a lottery ticket, and only one person is to win the prize.

Passports, health cards, property tax receipts, etc. are not accepted as proof of residency.

14. If I was born in Nova Scotia but moved away and now live in another province or country, can I still buy a ticket?

No. If you have questions about what makes you a resident of Nova Scotia, you can visit the province's website for information.

15. What forms of ID will be accepted to claim a prize?

A Nova Scotia driver's license or valid Nova Scotia ID card will be used to determine residency. Only one name is to be entered on a lottery ticket, and only one person is to win the prize.

Passports, health cards, property tax receipts, etc. are not accepted as proof of residency.

16. What does the letter in front of my ticket numbers represent?

This letter represents the ticket package you purchased. Example: A stands for 1 for $5, where D stands for 100 for $50.

The letter does not impact or influence your ticket numbers in any form. This letter displays in order to remain compliant with AGD requirements.

17. Why aren't my ticket numbers randomized?

Because randomization happens at the time of drawing. It doesn't matter what your ticket numbers are... it matters how many ticket numbers you have in the jackpot. The more tickets, the more chances you have to win. The winning ticket number is completely randomized, meaning there are no outside factors that influence the result.

18. Where can I follow the raffle for updates?

Follow the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50 Facebook Page for weekly raffle updates, pictures of winners, pictures of department purchases, and stories about community support. Their page has over 70K followers across Nova Scotia - we welcome you!

19. Why are funded departments part of this fundraiser?

Government-funded fire departments make extreme impacts on our local communities through fundraising. These departments are giving back through donations to community programs and projects such as breakfast programs, youth programs, animal shelters, and more. In most cases, the firefighters have formed a separate association to support the community in this manner.

20. I made an error while purchasing. What do I do?

Connect with the Rafflebox support team. Typo in your name, email, phone number - etc. we can update this for you to make sure we have the right details on file. Fill out the support form here, or email your details to  firefightersupport@rafflebox.org and we will help you out.

21. I didn't receive my tickets when purchasing. What do I do?

If you didn't download your tickets at the time of purchase and didn't receive them via your email inbox, try checking your junk mail. If they aren't hiding there, no worries - our support team will resend them your way. Fill out the support form here, or email your details to firefightersupport@rafflebox.org and we will help you out.

22.  My order failed but I'm seeing a charge on be bank statement. Did my purchase go through?

If you received an error message while purchasing tickets but see a charge on your bank statement, don't worry. Failed orders may show up as pending charges on your bank statement. Typically, credit card charges will be reversed within 24-48 hours, although it could take up to 7 business days depending on your bank/card provider. If you need immediate confirmation of your ticket purchase, please contact support via email at firefightersupport@rafflebox.org.

23. How long has this raffle been operating for?

The Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50 has been running since 2020 and is now in its fifth year of operation. From starting with 8 groups, we have grown to over 286 fire departments and groups participating across Nova Scotia.

24. My department wants to join. How do we do this?

If your fire department is interested in joining this raffle, simply send your details to firefightersupport@rafflebox.org, and we will reach out to assist you. New groups are always welcome to participate at any time.

25. Where do I buy my tickets?

Online here: www.firefighters5050.com 🎟️

26. I have a question about this raffle that isn't answered here. Who do I ask?

Reach out to the organization directly via email firefightersupport@rafflebox.org or on the Nova Scotia Firefighters 50-50 Facebook Page.