Lottery Winner Gives $20K in Groceries to Strangers

Patricia Warden knows what it's like to choose between eating and paying bills, so when she won $70 million, she knew exactly what to do.

The Ottawa woman walked into a Greely Foodland grocery store and began quietly handing gift cards to shoppers. By the end of the afternoon, she had given away more than $20,000 to families struggling with rising grocery costs.

"The hardest thing right now isn't just the bills, it's the cost of groceries," Warden told CTV News. "I'm in a position to give back."

Many shoppers were stunned when they realized a stranger had just paid for part of their groceries. Some cried. Others couldn't believe it was real.

Warden won the Lotto Max jackpot in May 2024, but she says the real prize is being able to help more people. "I'm still Patty," she said. "That will never change."

Her generosity comes from years of personal struggle. Before winning, Warden experienced homelessness, addiction, and illness. She spent nights sleeping on park benches, fighting to survive.

Her mother helped her rebuild her life, teaching her integrity and compassion. "You can't put a price on that," Warden said. "Seventy million dollars is nothing compared to those values."

Warden has been sober for 30 years now. She says giving back brings her more joy than anything money can buy.

Sunny's Take

This isn't just about grocery cards. It's about someone who remembers what hunger feels like, what hopelessness feels like, choosing to make sure fewer people feel that way.

Warden didn't buy a mansion or a yacht. She walked into a grocery store and made sure families could eat. That's the kind of win that ripples far beyond a single afternoon.

"I just want to share my happiness," she said.