$1M lottery win won’t change couple

Mike Kacsmar, right, and Kathy Galenzoski, centre, were in Calgary April 12 to receive their cheque for $1 million from the Legion Million Dollar Lottery. They say their lives won’t change, having won the money. The name of the cheque presenter is unknown.

Mac Olsen
South Peace News

They were hesitant to believe it at first, but Mike Kacsmar and Kathy Galenzoski are very happy to be millionaires. Kacsmar and Galenzoski went to Calgary April 12 and received their $1 million cheque from the Legion Million Dollar Lottery. Family members joined them for the presentation. The happy couple kept the knowledge they had won the money to themselves for a week. “We didn’t believe it ourselves, until we saw it in print,” says Galenzoski. “We told our family, so they knew before it hit the paper, but that was it.” Winning $1 million has not changed them. They aren’t eyeing any luxurious items, as they already have everything they need. They will use their new wealth for personal commitments. “We don’t believe that money is something that is going to make or break you,” says Galenzoski. “Money helps … relieve a lot of stress and pressure in your life, but you have to be able to sleep with yourself at night,” she adds. Kacsmar, who works as a sales and leasing consultant at Big Lakes Dodge and volunteers with the High Prairie Fire Department, says money has never really been a big motivator for them. “I learned a long time ago that what’s really important is those around you,” says Kacsmar. “You’ve got to be happy where you are and appreciate what you’ve got.” Nor do they plan to leave High Prairie - a community they love so much. Kacsmar and Galenzoski support the Royal Canadian Legion and the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Society helicopter because they believe in the work they do. Galenzoski says STARS saved the life of one of her friends. Kacsmar’s father fought in the Second World War, and he was also president one of the Legion branches in Saskatchewan. Kacsmar encourages people to join the Royal Canadian Legion because their members work hard and they’re a good bunch of people. Money raised from the Legion Million Dollar Lottery remain in their communities to support senior citizens, families and the less fortunate, according to the organization’s website. “Members of Alberta Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion have made a long term difference in our lives as veterans, but the tradition of generosity continues with their ongoing support of food and meal services, specialized medical equipment, youth programs, scholarships and home subsidies,” reads the Legion’s website.

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