Trio of Friends Strikes Gold with $50 Million Lottery Bonanza

In a landmark victory, three Albertans and former colleagues – Carmen Austria, Gary Perkins, and Catherine Wall – have clinched the first-ever Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot in Alberta, amassing a staggering $50 million on December 9, 2023. The windfall, which amounts to $16.6 million for each, has already kick-started a series of life-altering expenditures and decisions.

Gary Perkins expressed his eagerness to enjoy the newfound wealth. “The moment was too thrilling to delay,” he revealed during a press briefing with the Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC), having treated himself to a new truck within days of their win.

Catherine Wall, the sole active worker among them before the win, embraced early retirement alongside her partner. “Our sudden retirement caught HR off guard,” she laughed. “I announced a one-week notice to their astonishment!”

Meanwhile, Carmen Austria embarked on a nostalgic journey back to Chile. Excitedly, she and her husband planned a five-week getaway to their homeland. “It was a spontaneous escape to celebrate,” Austria shared, highlighting the liberating power of their prize.

This remarkable fortune has solidified a lifelong bond among the trio and paved the way for their diverse dreams and aspirations to take flight, showcasing the transformative potential of lottery windfalls.