Alberta lottery winner can’t wait to buy her ‘midlife crisis truck’ after $1M jackpot

Bobbi Jo Nerubenko is thrilled to buy her dream car now that she’s a millionaire. The Alberta resident won $1 million in the May 7, 2024 Western Max lottery draw, and is ready for adventure.

“I want to get my ‘midlife crisis truck’,” said Nerubenko.

“And maybe a new camper for my son and I to go powwowing,” she added. “We’ve done it with tents in the pouring rain and it would be nice to have our own space to get ready.”

The Falun, Alta., local shared that she used to go with her mom to buy lottery tickets each week. She has continued the tradition since her mother passed away, making this win even more special.

Upon realizing her ticket was a winner, Nerubenko couldn’t help but think of her mom.

“I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” she said. “I checked it again on the Lotto Spot app and then ran out of the store hysterically.”

Nerubenko’s excitement was too much to contain, and her joyful screams continued all the way to the parking lot.

“I was in my truck screaming with excitement,” she said.

The lucky winner then went to share the news with her family. The first people she called were her son and husband, as she looked forward to discussing plans for their windfall.

Nerubenko said her family lives a humble life and is excited to see what they can do now.

“I would love to do more spontaneous things and travel a bit with my husband too,” said Nerubenko.

The lucky winner bought her winning ticket from Cree Convenience at 2 & 3 Samson Mall in Maskwacis, Alta. She won her prize by matching one of the 14 additional draws on Western Max’s May 7 draw — 9, 11,12, 13, 21, 37, 49.

Western Max allows players to choose three sets of seven numbers between 1-50. There is a main draw, and if a player matches 7 out of 7 they’ll win $2,000,000. If you match 6 of 7 main numbers along with the bonus number, you win $100,000. In addition, there are 14 additional draws of 7-digit selections; matching those will award players a $1,000,000 prize. Draws occur every Tuesday and Friday.

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