A check for almost $65,000 is one way to guarantee a merry Christmas.
Erica and Brandon LeBlanc of Fredericton celebrated their son Kieran's first birthday at Atlantic Lottery's head office in Moncton.
They were the winners of the $64,900 second prize on Atlantic 6/49 for the Dec. 10 draw.
LeBlanc, who went to a local corner store to buy a few grocery items, never dreamed she'd also be buying a winning ticket.
"It was only my second time buying an Atlantic 6/49 ticket, and I never thought this would happen," she said. "I was so shocked by the news that the store clerk had to go and get my husband and son who were waiting in the car.
"Even after we arrived home, I kept looking at the numbers on the ticket. It's really hard to believe, even now."
The couple has lived in the Fredericton area for the past few years.
LeBlanc is a teacher at a local elementary school, while her husband manages a fast-food restaurant. A1
"The money couldnt have come at a better time. Im on maternity leave and will be going back to work in January," she said.
The couple plans to invest some of their windfall, and to purchase a new stove.
"We thought wed wait until after Christmas to buy a new stove, but now we can buy it right away."
The winning ticket was purchased at Scholtens Grocery in Fredericton, which will receive a $649 sellers prize.
The Daily Gleaner/Kate LeBlanc
The LeBlanc family won $64,900. From the left are Erica LeBlanc, her husband, Brandon, and their one-year-old son, Kieran.
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