A First Nations couple who had "a hard time in their lives making a living" are now $50 million richer, thanks to the biggest single-ticket lottery win in Manitoba's history.
Kirby and Marie Fontaine, who live in a mobile home with two children on the Sagkeeng First Nation reserve, are keeping a low profile. But friends and family are sharing their excitement.
"It's just hard to believe," said Donavan Fontaine, a relative and chief of the Sagkeeng First Nation.
Another friend, George McIvor, said it's "an awful lot of cash. I don't know what I would do."
The winning ticket was bought at Broadlands Convenience Store in Pine Falls, about a two-hour drive northeast from Winnipeg.
Dale Swampy was the man working behind the counter, and said he's now become the area's good-luck charm.
"Ever since then, people are touching my hand and arm, always wanting me to sell them tickets," he said.
Lori Wilson, who was also at the store when the winning ticket was sold, says she initially mistook the commotion for a car accident.
"I heard somebody screaming and I actually thought somebody got hit by a car, because often strange things happen here," she said.
Relatives of the Fontaines say they've worked hard to make a living, but had recently had some bad luck. Marie Fontaine works in personal care, while Kirby had been employed as a band constable until he fell ill.
"They had a hard time in their lives just making a living, and then something like this happens," said relative Ken Swampy. "It's a dream come true."
Their daughter will graduate high school in June, and last week had been planning on fundraising so she could afford a grad ring.
Stan Dorie, a family friend who grew up with Kirby Fontaine, said that won't be a problem anymore.
"Fifty million -- that's the best thing that could have happened to them," he said.
The Western Canada Lottery Corporation said it will give the couple the record-breaking cheque on Tuesday.
With a report by CTV Winnipeg's Stacey Ashley
