Swift Current Man Wins Over $1.16 Million in STARS Lottery 50/50

Swift Current resident Aaron Phoenix had a life-changing moment when he won over $1.16 million in the STARS Lottery 50/50 draw. The unexpected windfall, which included $162,422.50 on top of the $1 million prize, came as a delightful surprise for Phoenix.

The memorable news arrived through a phone call from STARS in Regina, followed by another call from STARS in Saskatoon. Phoenix, who had forgotten about purchasing the ticket, initially had a moment of confusion when STARS contacted him.

"I'd come home from helping out on the farm for a little bit and was settling in," he recalled. "I was kind of confused for a minute as to why STARS was phoning me because I had forgotten I purchased a ticket a while back. When they told me I was quite happy, and that was mixed with a little bit of disbelief. In this day and age [at first], I thought, is this a scam? Then when they started talking, I realized it wasn't."

Phoenix, a farmer and engineering consultant, sees this windfall as an opportunity to accelerate his retirement plans. While most of the jackpot will be earmarked for retirement, he hinted at the possibility of taking a winter vacation that had been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It really puts us in a position where retirement is a feasibility a little bit sooner than in the past," he remarked. "I think if we plan properly, we can move forward our retirement life. My wife is a physical therapist in town."

Phoenix, who has been a regular participant in lottery events like Hospital Home Lottery, expressed his joy at winning a significant prize, especially considering his previous winnings, which included a leaf blower.