The 2025 summer Hogs for Hospice 50-50 draw winner is singing the praises of the Hogs for Hospice group, in addition to being excited about winning $415,150.
“I was at home when the phone rang,” said Tim Tiessen. “It took a while to sink in.”
Tiessen and his wife April met with the Hogs board of directors at the Hospice Erie Shores Campus on Wednesday, August 20 to receive their big cheque.
“We buy tickets every year just to support the Hospice,” said Tim. “We never thought we’d win.”
The Tiessens were quick to praise the Hogs board members for their involvement from day one.
“You guys are the backbone of this,” he said. “You’re doing wonderful work.”
April says that within 10 minutes of Tim’s name and photo being posted on social media as the winner, his phone started blowing up.
“It continued all through the day and into the next few days,” she said.
Their oldest daughter is getting married in a couple of weeks, so this windfall will definitely help with that event, and April says they may take a trip with some of their winnings.
“We might have to plan a family trip,” she says. “It’s always hard to get everybody together.”
When Tim was asked if retirement might be on his mind with the jackpot in his pocket, he was quick to respond.
“I enjoy what I do,” he said. “I work for John O Foods and love it there, so no plans for retirement.”
This was the 11th Hogs 50-50 draw since the board started doing them in 2021, which has been life changing money for 11 families. They’ve given away a total of $2,839,411.
“Helping our Hospice and helping families is very cool indeed,” said one board member.
The board also reminded everyone present that 500+ volunteers make the rally possible and that they are eternally grateful for those volunteers.
April and Tim Tiessen pose with their $415,150 cheque in front of the Hospice Erie Shores Campus on Wednesday, August 20.
SUN photo by Mark Ribble
