Grande Prairie Couple Wins $54 Million Lotto 6/49 Jackpot
GRANDE PRAIRIE, Alta. — A Grande Prairie couple is celebrating a life-changing win after buying the winning ticket for the $54 million Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball Draw on December 28. Sandra and Travis Fredland, long-time lottery players, purchased their winning ticket at the Westgate New Horizon Co-op on 11540 104 Avenue in Grande Prairie.
The couple, still in disbelief, checked their ticket multiple times before accepting their incredible fortune. “I must have checked the ticket about three times at the terminal,” Travis said. “I took it to the cashier and said, ‘Check this one because there’s something odd with it!’” That “something odd” turned out to be a $54 million jackpot.
“I’ve played for a lot of years,” Travis added. “I saw the number, but I still wasn’t believing it!” Sandra echoed the sentiment, calling the win “overwhelming” and admitting they’ll need time to process their newfound wealth.
The Fredlands have already made some plans for their windfall. “Retirement, of course,” Sandra said. Travis added, “We’re going to Palm Springs to lay low and enjoy the win.” Beyond that, the couple intends to take their time deciding how to spend the rest of their prize.
Their family is equally thrilled. “Our sons are thrilled,” Travis said with a laugh. “Our family is preeeetty happy about the whole thing.”
The winning numbers for the December 28 Gold Ball Draw were 35353629-01. The Fredlands’ win marks one of the largest lottery prizes in Alberta’s history.
As they adjust to their new reality, the couple is focused on enjoying the moment. “We’ll take our time to figure out how to spend this,” Travis said. For now, they’re relishing the joy of their incredible luck and the opportunities it brings.