Canadian can't wait to be debt-free after major lottery win

One lucky Canadian says she can’t wait to be debt-free thanks to her newfound windfall, and is also planning a little vacation, too.

Hali Calliou of Fort Vermillion is Alberta’s latest Lightning Lotto winner, taking home a $222,133.30 prize.

While speaking to Lotto Spot while claiming her prize, she says she went into the store to get her tickets, and what happened next stunned her.

“All of a sudden, this number came across the screen,” she said. “The cashier looked at me and said, ‘You just won!’”

“I stood there in disbelief for a long time,” she added. “I just kept saying, ‘Oh my gosh — I won!’”

Calliou said she’s already thinking about what to spend her winnings on.

WCLC

“I can’t wait to be debt-free and enjoy the rest,” she said, adding that she has a trip to Mexico on her radar as well.

“It’s just unbelievable,” she quipped.

Calliou purchased her winning Lightning Lotto ticket from Pioneer Pharmasave at 4903 River Rd. in Fort Vermilion. She won her prize by correctly matching the five Lightning Lotto numbers selected in the June 3 draw: 9, 11, 35, 40, and 48.

Alberta has been home to a flurry of lottery winners lately, with one young man making a wise decision with his windfall, while one player got a HUGE payout after playing the lottery weekly for the past 35 years.

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.