Lacombe man wins $15-million Lotto Max jackpot, pledges community support and keeps pink beard
Lacombe resident Don Matheson won the $15-million Lotto Max jackpot on June 5, 2026, and plans to help family and local causes while keeping his signature pink beard.
Don Matheson of Lacombe matched all seven numbers to claim a $15-million Lotto Max jackpot drawn on June 5, 2026, the Western Canada Lottery Corporation confirmed. Matheson purchased the winning ticket shortly before his birthday and said the surprise altered what was already shaping up to be a celebratory week for him and his family.
Lacombe resident claims $15-million Lotto Max jackpot
Matheson, who only began buying Lotto Max tickets in the month before the draw, said he did not realize the full value of his prize until officials informed him. The win was announced by the Western Canada Lottery Corporation in a news release, and store staff who sold the ticket joined in the celebration when the result was revealed.
Local reaction was immediate, with neighbours and customers at the Circle K where the ticket was sold sharing excitement for the winner. Matheson described the day as a “birthday surprise” that quickly turned into plans for how to use the money for others rather than dramatic personal change.
Winning numbers and where the ticket was bought
The winning combination that landed Matheson the jackpot was 11, 16, 27, 34, 40, 47 and 49. The ticket was purchased at the Circle K located at 101–5001 52 Avenue in Lacombe, the retailer and the lottery corporation confirmed.
Officials with the lottery corporation verified the match of all seven numbers and identified Matheson as the sole jackpot winner for that draw. He will enter the required verification and claim steps with the lottery corporation to receive the prize payout, and the retailer will receive its standard commission for the sale of the winning ticket.
Winner’s reaction and immediate plans for the prize
Matheson said he plans to keep his lifestyle largely unchanged while making targeted financial moves to help family and community members. He specifically mentioned that he intends to help relatives with mortgage payments and to dedicate more time and resources to charity work and causes he supports.
He emphasized that the windfall will be used to support people he cares about rather than to fund extravagant personal luxuries. The winner’s approach reflects a common trend among lottery recipients who prioritize debt relief and community giving in early planning stages.
Pink beard tied to anti-bullying advocacy
A striking detail that accompanied Matheson’s win was his bright pink beard, which he said is a deliberate choice tied to anti-bullying advocacy. He recalled working at a school where Pink Shirt Day inspired him to make a visible commitment to support students who face bullying.
Matheson told reporters he promised students he would keep the colour as a daily reminder of that commitment, and he said the beard will stay until bullying is eradicated. That public-facing pledge has resonated locally and helped frame the win as an opportunity to further support youth and anti-bullying initiatives.
Community response and next steps with the Western Canada Lottery Corporation
Community leaders and neighbours expressed congratulations and interest in how Matheson will direct his winnings toward local needs. Several residents said they were pleased to hear the winner intends to prioritize family and charitable causes rather than ostentatious spending.
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation’s announcement marks the beginning of the formal claims process, which includes ticket validation and prize disbursement procedures. Lottery officials have confirmed the winner and the ticket’s retailer, and further details about the claimant’s next steps were left to the corporation’s standard protocols.
Matheson’s win highlights how recent entrants to lottery play can become major prize holders and how a sudden windfall can shape community-focused philanthropic plans. He says he hopes his decision to keep a visible anti-bullying symbol and to direct funds toward family and local causes will inspire others to support the issues he cares about, even as he adjusts to life after his Lotto Max jackpot.
