Canadian retiring after buying winning lottery ticket on New Year’s Day
One Canadian lottery player started the year off on the right note: by announcing his retirement after a life-changing win.
Lottery player Alden Tourond lives in Winnipeg, Man., and decided to kick off 2026 by trying his luck by buying a Lightning Lotto ticket. When he checked his ticket at a store on New Year’s Day, the screen instantly notified him that he was a winner.
“I thought it was $30,000 and of course was very happy, but then my brother said, ‘Hey, this is $303,000!'” he said. “I was blown away!”
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The Lightning Lotto winning numbers for the Jan. 1 draw were 4, 6, 9, 14, and 38, with bonus 42, and Tourond managed to match all five winning numbers to score the top prize. He said he immediately shared the news of his win with his family.
“When I told my family members, I said I was just really excited to hold the cheque!” he laughed.
As he accepted the cheque for his winnings, he opened up about plans for the next chapter of his life, a dream made possible by his unexpected windfall.
Lightning Lotto winner Alden Tourond (WCLC)
“I’ve worked for 31 years, and now I’m going to retire!” he smiled. “I still can’t believe it!”
Tourond purchased his winning Lightning Lotto ticket from the Circle K at 415 Springfield Rd. in Winnipeg.
The holidays also turned out to be an even happier occasion for another Lightning Lotto winner. Belinda Escalona of Watson Lake, Yukon, was stunned by her good fortune after winning $259,055.30 in the Oct. 19, 2025, draw. Escalona claimed her winnings in December and said the windfall would finally give her a chance to reunite with family over the holidays.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.