Instead of collecting a cheque for $1 million, Gail McDonald went to Safeway in Brandon on Wednesday and collected a consolation prize – a bouquet of flowers for almost winning the grand prize in the grocer’s Score and Win contest.
She said she will never forget what almost happened to her on Tuesday night.
“Nor will I forget number 85 - Mathieu Perreault,” McDonald said.
Had Winnipeg Jets forward Mathieu Perreault scored one more goal in the team’s 8-2 drubbing of the Florida Panthers Tuesday, McDonald would’ve woken up Wednesday as a millionaire.
When customers swipe their Air Miles card at Safeway, they automatically get entered into a contest to win $1 million and various other prizes.
To win the million in Manitoba, one Winnipeg Jets player needs to score five goals in one game.
Perreault came just one goal short of making McDonald a millionaire. He scored four goals against the Panthers and had some chances to get a fifth.
Even though he didn’t, Gail McDonald still had kind words for the Jets forward.
“Thank you very much, Mathieu, for all your hard work and for the success you had. I certainly do not hold a grudge.”
If she had won the $1 million prize, McDonald said a log cabin near a lake is one way she would’ve spent the money.
McDonald, who works as a school principal in Brandon, received many congratulations from staff and students at George Fitton School.
She, in turn, asked some of her students what they would do with one million dollars.
Buying race cars and mansions topped the list.
McDonald was told a larger consolation prize, other than the flowers, is in the works.
Safeway said McDonald will receive a $5,000 prize consisting of Safeway gift cards, a watch and several assorted small appliances.
