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.
