Lacombe local wins $15 million LOTTO MAX jackpot!

Don Matheson is celebrating a $15 million LOTTO MAX jackpot win from the June 5 draw! 

The Lacombe winner said he only recently started playing LOTTO MAX. 

“I just started buying tickets in the last month,” he laughed. “I figured, what the heck – you can’t win if you don’t buy the ticket!” 

Matheson discovered his win in-store, where the excitement quickly spread. 

“I didn’t realize it was $15 million until they told me!” he said. “Everybody in the store was excited.” 

Reflecting on the moment, Matheson said his first thoughts were about helping others. 

“I just thought, ‘Gee whiz, now I can really help some people!’” he smiled. 

The Lacombe local is already thinking about how he can give back to his community and support loved ones. 

 “I won’t change, but I’ll make sure my family members’ mortgages are paid,” he said. 

The timing of the win made it even more special. 

“I bought the ticket just before my birthday, so this made for one heck of a birthday surprise!” he laughed. “It will be a gift that will keep on giving.” 

Matheson also plans to invest a portion of his winnings. 

A standout feature of the Lacombe winner (as evidenced in his winner photo) is his vibrant pink beard – something he said isn’t going anywhere. 

“I was working at a school when I learned about Pink Shirt Day,” he explained. “I promised some kids I would do my part to help stamp out bullying, so this is my ‘pink shirt’ every day.” 

“I said I’d take it off when bullying stops,” he added. “It definitely stands out and gets people talking.” 

Matheson said overall, he is most looking forward to using the win to dedicate more time and support to the causes he cares most deeply about. 

Matheson purchased his winning LOTTO MAX ticket from Circle K at 101-5001 52 Avenue in Lacombe. He won his $15 million jackpot in the June 5 LOTTO MAX draw by matching all seven numbers: 11, 16, 27, 34, 40, 47, and 49. 

Download the full release and winner's photo below.