In this OLG Winners series, we’re highlighting the real winning stories of everyday Ontarians who played the lottery. From paying it forward to making long-held dreams a reality, these winners show us what they’re doing with their new fortunes – and how one win can bring joy, hope and even a fresh start.

Last Christmas, 18-year-old Haleigh of Minden unwrapped a modest gift from her great aunt: her very first lottery ticket. It was meant to be a bit of festive fun, a chance to win a few dollars and pass a bit of time over the holiday break.

But to the delight of both Haleigh and her great aunt, the ticket offered something far more extraordinary.

Haleigh began to play right away. In her living room with her family, she scratched her INSTANT GINGERBREAD BUCKS card and revealed an entire line of matching symbols, meaning she won a prize.

But how much was it? To find out, her mom scanned the ticket using the OLG app on her phone. They quickly learned that Haleigh hadn’t just won any prize – she’d won the top prize of $75,000.

“[My mom] and I were both in disbelief,” Haleigh says. “It was such a wonderful moment — my hands started shaking, and I was completely flabbergasted!”

INSTANT GINGERBREAD BUCKS is a $3 scratch game that was available during the holiday season last year. Each ticket features 14 festive “your symbols” at the top, and as you reveal each one, you scratch that same symbol wherever it appears in the 10 lines below. If you uncover every symbol in a single row, you win! With odds of 1 in 3.73, prizes range from $3 to the top prize of $75,000.

Haleigh immediately shared the happy news with her loved ones, including the great aunt who gave her the ticket. “They said I deserve this win, especially after everything I’ve been through,” she says. In 2023, Haleigh spent several months in Sick Kids Hospital when an infection escalated requiring her to have multiple surgeries. “I wasn’t supposed to survive,” she says.

Today, Haleigh is back at home and doing well. She’s grateful for her recovery and now has another big reason to be grateful. “Winning feels amazing and unbelievable,” says Haleigh. “It’s like being stuck on your favourite rollercoaster.”

She already has a few plans for her winnings, starting with a lifelong dream. “I’m hoping to get a horse,” she says. She’s been riding since childhood, and now she might finally have one of her own. “If I get to name it — maybe Spots!”

Haleigh also has plans to treat those around her, including her boyfriend. “I’m helping [him] get a PC!”

From hospital stays to horseback dreams, Haleigh’s journey has taken a wild turn – and she’s just getting started.

Ready to gift someone the chance to win this festive season? (Or treat yourself!) Pick up an OLG Holiday nearest lottery retailer to get your tickets today or visit OLG.ca to learn more.