Lethbridge birthday present lands couple $1M from $5 Set for Life ticket

Catherine and Darcy Fritz recently claimed a $1 million prize from a $5 Scratch & Win ticket. (Photo courtesy Western Canada Lottery Corporation)

Some holiday seasons are merrier than others, and this one will be merrier than most for Lethbridge couple Catherine and Darcy Fritz after winning $1 million on a $5 Set for Life scratch and win ticket.

It all started one day at the Canadian Tire gas bar at 1240 2A Ave. N in Lethbridge, when Darcy couldn’t figure out a birthday present for Catherine.

“Darcy didn’t know what to get me for my birthday, so he bought the ticket while filling up at the gas station,” Catherine said.

When she checked the winning numbers a few days later, Catherine got the sweetest birthday present ever.

“I looked at the rules on the back of the ticket and said I hoped I would get three of a kind and win a smaller prize,” chuckled Catherine. “Then I realized what I had won!”

She alerted Darcy and the two of them headed back to Canadian Tire to confirm they had a winning ticket.

“It’s amazing,” said Catherine. “It still hasn’t sunk in!”

“I just can’t believe it,” said Darcy.

The couple plan to celebrate their winnings with family and do some home renovations.