Kingston woman wins one million dollars | InQuinte.ca
×
Today's latest storiesStone Mills residents charged in warrant execution by L&A County OPPB&E arrest in Prince Edward CountyRoad reconstruction resuming in Belleville this monthCounty man charged with impairedYMCA Centre for Life continues to build through local philanthropySeveral locals charged in massive drug investigationsInput sought for new multi-use court at Belleville parkLane resigns from head coach/GM of PiratesAthlete of the Week: Tyson CooperCool 100.1 FM Nominated for CMAOntario Radio Station of the Year (Medium Market)Bloomfield woman wins $350,000Spring into Treasure in Downtown BellevilleKingston Police looking for hit and run vehicleCommunity Futures partners launch Transition Program to support business succession planningCZECH POINTS: With baseball comes summer - finallyYouth arrested and charged in Kingston robberyBeyond the Headlines - 2 Air Movements SquadronTyendinaga Police assist Belleville Police in medical distress incidentDeseronto approves budget for 2026CFB Trenton squadron celebrates 75th anniversary Wednesday

Kingston woman wins one million dollars

By Paul Martin Dec 5, 2025 | 10:11 AM

OLG has delivered another winning moment, and this one comes with a million-dollar surprise! Helena Fedora of Kingston is Ontario’s newest millionaire taking home the grand prize in OLG’s free-to-enter 50th anniversary Welcome to Wintario Contest. This unique contest was launched to say thank you to players across Ontario for 50 years of play, wins and giving back.

Since 1975, OLG has delivered more than $59 billion in lottery prizes. And with 100 per cent of OLG’s profits reinvested back into Ontario, OLG has contributed approximately $62 billion to support communities across the province in the last five decades – a legacy made possible by its players.

OLG marked its milestone anniversary with a province-wide celebration that turned Ontario into WINTARIO, honouring Ontario’s first ever lottery and featuring Ottawa-born actor Jay Baruchel, Pickering actor Jonathan Langdon, and the iconic Faye Dance – the original host of the WINTARIO live broadcast.

Capturing the spirit of WINTARIO’s live draws, Helena, the winner of the Welcome to Wintario Contest, learned of her $1 million win through a surprise phone call from Faye Dance.

“This surprise feels amazing, astonishing! I’m overjoyed,” said Helena. “I just won a million dollars – I never thought I would say those words,” she excitedly shared. “I am so grateful. This is going to make so many changes in my life and for my family.”

The Welcome to Wintario Contest gave Ontarians a free chance to win a $1 million grand prize or one of 50 prizes of $1,000. The contest kicked off in August with a fun twist: a scannable QR code jacket worn by Jay Baruchel which offered players a unique way to enter.

“We’re thrilled to celebrate the grand prize winner of our Welcome to Wintario Contest. This contest was a meaningful way to thank Ontarians for being part of our journey and reflects the energy and excitement OLG has brought to Ontarians for over 50 years,” said Duncan Hannay, President and CEO of OLG. “Over the past several months, Ontarians joined in the celebrations helping us deliver even more wins to people and communities across the province truly showing how every play with OLG is a winning one for Ontario.”

From rolling out 50th themed products and contests to visiting community events around Ontario, Welcome to Wintario built on OLG’s legacy of winning and giving back by distributing more than $1 million to support local charities and creating thousands of winners during the anniversary celebrations.