Winnipeg baker plans to retire, share $1M lottery with former coworkers: 'I’ve been working for so many years'

The Maxmillions win couldn't have come at a better time for Van Nguyen, who can now enjoy his retirement after a 34-year baking career.

a man wearing a black shirt smiling holding a lotto max maxmillions sign after winning the lottery
For Nguyen, a longtime baker, the lottery win means financial security and a comfortable retirement. (Courtesy: WCLC)

After 34 years as a baker, Van Nguyen of Winnipeg is finally ready to hang up his apron. Thanks to a $1 million prize in the Sept. 17, 2024, Lotto Max draw, Nguyen can now enjoy his retirement. The timing, he says, couldn’t have been better.

“I’ve been working for so many years, and I’m finally retiring now!” Nguyen said as he claimed his prize.

Nguyen’s lucky day began like any other. While he was at work, his manager mentioned that someone in Manitoba had won the recent Lotto Max prize. Nguyen, who had bought a Lotto Max ticket earlier, began to get excited.

“My manager told me someone in Manitoba won and I said, ‘Maybe me!’” he said. “I headed over to the store to check my ticket after work.”

To his amazement, Nguyen had indeed won a $1 million prize by matching one of the Maxmillions selections in the Sept. 17 draw: 4, 6, 11, 12, 30, 31, and 39.

“When I went back and told my manager, he didn’t believe it,” said Nguyen. “We checked it together on his phone app.”

After confirming his big win, Nguyen called his daughter, who was thrilled with the news. He then brought the winning ticket home to show his wife.

“My daughter was so happy,” he said.

Aside from enjoying his well-earned retirement, Nguyen also plans to share his good fortune with others.

“I want to give back to some of my former coworkers too!” he said.

Nguyen’s ticket was one of many to take advantage of Lotto Max’s Maxmillions prizes. Available across Canada, Lotto Max offers players the chance to win big every Tuesday and Friday. For just $5 per ticket, players can select their numbers or choose a quick pick, with opportunities to win not only the main jackpot but also Maxmillions prizes. Maxmillions, a feature activated only when the main jackpot reaches $50 million, provides additional $1 million prizes to further raise the stakes for players across the country.

If you're looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.