Cathy Dobson/The Independent

An estimated 15 people needed medical assistance Thursday while  lined up in the sweltering heat to buy Catch the Ace tickets outside the Sarnia Legion. . 

At least three were taken to hospital by ambulance for heat related issues, according to Krista Porteous whose paramedic company Just-in-Case volunteers weekly at the Sarnia Legion’s massive progressive draw. 

Porteous’ team of three was busy from the moment they arrived at 10 a.m. until ticket sales closed at 7:30 pm. By that time thousands had purchased a total of 171,406 tickets, somewhat fewer than the week before.  

Organizers put that down to the extreme heat that might have deterred some from going.  

But generally Branch 62’s week 43 of Catch the Ace was just as packed as any other week. 

In fact, volunteers had to keep more people from entering the building as it hit its 590-person capacity late in the day. 

Porteous said free water was available, a misting machine and fans were very popular, but some people – particularly older individuals – didn’t do well in the sun. 

“When it is extremely hot like this, I don’t understand why people line up early in the morning, hours before ticket sales start,” she said. “It’s better to limit time in the direct sun.”

The weekly winner was Sarnia’s Nicole Chafe. She took home $171,406 but picked the Ace of diamonds rather than spades. 

That means the Sarnia Legion’s Catch the Ace jackpot will be just shy of $3.7 million next week. 

Representatives from the Women’s Interval Home, The Centre and Rebound’s The Nest drop-in youth program said they were thrilled with the 30 tubs of personal hygiene products donated by ticket buyers.