Aline Wirtanen of Sarnia takes home half the $1,074,045 jackpot in the 50/50 supporting the regional hospitals in London. The 50/50 is conducted in conjunction with Dream Lottery, which also awarded its top prize Thursday morning. (Handout) December 5, 2019Aline Wirtanen of Sarnia takes home half the $1,074,045 jackpot in the 50/50 supporting the regional hospitals in London. The 50/50 is conducted in conjunction with Dream Lottery, which also awarded its top prize Thursday morning. (Handout) December 5, 2019
Sarnia

Sarnia woman wins over $500K from London Dream Lottery

Sarnia's Aline Wirtanen learned Thursday morning that good news sure travels fast.

The 76-year-old says she only told a family member and close friend after receiving a call that she'd won over half a million dollars in the London Dream Home Lottery's 50/50 draw.

"I talked to her and I figured she could keep a secret," said Wirtanen. "After a while, my son called me and said 'it's all over the radio!'"

Blackburn News London quickly gave the Sarnia newsroom a heads up after the draw Thursday morning.

Wirtanen said she was hesitant to answer the call from the lottery organizers.

"I thought it was a joke," Wirtanen laughed. "At first I thought it was marketing. I didn't answer the first call, but I did the second one. I thought, 'there's a name, I better answer.'"

Wirtanen takes home over $537,000.

She said she's planning to get out of her apartment, buy a new car and share with her children and grandchildren.

Money raised from the lottery will support London Health Sciences Centre, Children's Hospital and St. Joseph's Health Care.

Tickets for Sarnia-Lambton's dream home lottery, in support of Bluewater Health Foundation, are now on sale.

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