A southwest Saskatchewan resident is $500 richer after yesterday's 50/50 for Change early bird draw.

Susan McConnell struck the mini jackpot after her ticket was pulled from the draw barrel that included 1224 tickets.

"It was my husband's cousin that said do you want to buy the 50/50 and its from the newcomers and I thought that would be wonderful," she said. "It's a good fundraising project."

While she doesn't know what she'll spend the small windfall on just yet, the win follows a recent birthday and 50th anniversary.

"This is just wonderful, it couldn't happen at a better time though, it's close to Christmas," she said.

The draw was made just after 2 p.m. at the Swift Current radio station by Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre Executive Director Icasiana de Gala. The non-profit organization will net half the proceeds from the promo put on by Golden West Broadcasting.

"I just wanted to thank the community and all the participating organizations and businesses for their support," de Gala said. "We would like to invite everyone to come and check out the places we will be selling tickets and buy tickets. Five dollars could make a huge difference."

The funds raised by the Southwest Newcomer Welcome Centre will go towards education, sport, and cultural programming.

After the $500 was paid out, the jackpot now sits at $5,620 with 12 live-action broadcasts remaining before the grand prize draw is made on October 7 at 2 p.m.