In this new ‘OLG Winners’ series, we’re highlighting the stories of everyday Ontarians who turned a regular lottery ticket purchase into something life changing. 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 big win can bring joy, hope and even a fresh start.

Januarys in Ontario are predictable: They’re cold, dreary, and often uneventful—at least, that’s how they typically are. But that wasn’t the case for Darcy of Garden River First Nation, near Algoma, Ont.

On the last day of the month last year—January 31, 2024—Darcy checked his LOTTO 6/49 ticket and was shocked with what he discovered: The last six out of seven ENCORE numbers matched exactly.

He had won $100,000.

ENCORE is a bonus game that can be played in conjunction with most lottery games for just an extra $1. It offers 22 ways to win and you can add up to 10 ENCORE plays to any game for a chance to win prizes ranging from $2 to $1 million.

For 64-year-old Darcy, this win was a long time coming. He’d been a regular player with OLG for decades and always added Encore onto his 6/49 and LOTTO MAX tickets.

"I typically check my tickets when I have a stack to check but this time I didn't wait," he shared.

On that frosty January day, Darcy used the OLG app on his phone to look up the numbers on one ticket and was immediately greeted with the joyful Win Tone and “$100,000” flashing across the screen. "I thought to myself, well this is more than $10. I wondered if it was real," he says.

He asked his wife of 42 years to take a second look at the screen, and it all reappeared. They stood in shock staring at his phone.

"She was concerned it was a scam,” Darcy says. “So she wanted to go to the store to make sure it was real.” The OLG machine verified the winnings, and the duo could hardly contain their shock and delight. “Even the clerk was excited," he says. “It was a surreal moment in the store. My wife was so excited. It was such a fun experience.”

What will Darcy do with his winnings? For one, he plans to pay off the remaining payments for his truck. “Thank you for the beautiful truck!” he joked to the OLG team when he picked up his winnings in person.

He also plans to use some of his winnings to travel with his family. “We will enjoy some adventures and make memories together,” he says.

One of the best parts of winning, according to Darcy, has been the response he’s received from the people closest to him.

“My friends and family have been so supportive and celebratory,” he says. “It's been humbling to hear their words of endearment. I feel thankful.”

Don't miss your chance to win. Get your ticket in-store or at OLG.ca