Don Matheson of Lacombe, Alberta, is $15 million richer after winning the Lotto Max jackpot draw on June 5, 2026. The Western Canada Lottery Corporation announced the win on Friday, June 26, 2026.
Recent Lottery Player Strikes Gold
Matheson only started buying Lotto Max tickets in the past month. “I just started buying tickets in the last month,” the Lacombe man said. “You can’t win if you don’t buy a ticket.” His logic proved correct when he matched all seven winning numbers: 11, 16, 27, 34, 40, 47, and 49.
“I didn’t realize it was $15 million until they told me,” Matheson said. “Everybody in the store was excited.” He purchased the winning ticket at Circle K, located at 101-5001 52 Ave. in Lacombe.
A Birthday Surprise
Matheson bought the ticket just before his birthday, calling it “one heck of a birthday surprise.” He plans to use the winnings to help others in his community and his loved ones. “I won’t change, but I’ll make sure my family members’ mortgages are paid,” he said.
Signature Pink Beard Stays
A standout feature of the Lacombe winner is his vibrant pink beard. Matheson explained that he started dyeing his beard pink after a promise to students at a school where he worked. “I was working at a school when I learned about Pink Shirt Day,” he said. “I promised some kids I would do my part to help stamp out bullying, so this is my ‘pink shirt’ every day.” He added, “I said I’d take it off when bullying stops. It definitely stands out and gets people talking.”
Supporting Causes and Community
Matheson said he is most looking forward to dedicating more time and support to the causes he cares most deeply about. He emphasized that his first instinct is to spend some of the money to help others in his community and his loved ones.
