Lottery win allows Canadian to fund wife's dream to open a daycare
For one Canadian lottery player, winning isn’t just about him — it’s about the people he cares about the most.
Sivakangar “Siv” Shanmuganathan has been playing the lottery regularly for over 15 years. The 51-year-old automotive technician from Ajax said that he’s won some prizes over the years, but never anything significant. But his luck turned after he decided to buy a lottery ticket while at a gas station.
He returned to the gas station to check the results and was surprised to discover that he had won.
“I checked my ticket at the gas station, and the screen said, ‘Big Winner,'” he recalled.
@atlanticlottery/Instagram
It turns out that he had won a Maxmillions prize in the Dec. 23, 2025, Lotto Max draw — earning $1 million.
“I was so happy!” he shared.
Shanmuganathan decided to celebrate his life-changing win by treating his coworkers to lunch.
“I haven’t told them about the win yet — just my manager,” he said.
While at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto, he said he already has plans for his winnings — he’s going to pay some bills and put away the rest in savings. He also said that he wants to help people and will put money towards helping his wife achieve her dream to open her own daycare.
Shanmuganathan said he has no immediate plans to retire.
Sivakangar (Siv) Shanmuganathan of Ajax, Ont. (OLG)
“I’ll keep my job. I’ve been there for over 20 years, and I love it,” he said.
The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on Salem Road in Ajax.
The next Lotto Max draw is on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and the jackpot is worth $40 million.
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.