A life-changing moment arrives as new parents celebrate $98,688 Legion win

A $98,688 win in the Legion’s weekly Catch the Ace pot on April 9 comes at a life-changing time for a Sarnia couple who recently welcomed a new baby.

For one Sarnia family, the past few weeks have brought two life-altering moments: welcoming a newborn baby and, almost unbelievably, winning $98,688 in the Legion’s Catch the Ace draw.

“It’s hard to put into words,” Kishan Poudyal said. “At first, we were in complete shock. We just kept looking at each other, asking, ‘Is this actually happening?’”

The call came while he was working.

“I was working at the restaurant at the moment and my friend from the Legion, enjoying himself there, video called me, but I did not believe it at all. I thought it was a prank,” he said. “Then when he said my number, it felt like one of those rare moments where everything just stops for a second.”

Within minutes, the reality set in.

“Then in the next five minutes I got a call from the Legion and stopped whatever I was doing, greeted all the customers at the restaurant, and ran to the Legion as it is minutes from us,” he said. “With everything going on in our lives right now, it honestly felt overwhelming in the best possible way.”

That “everything” includes the arrival of their baby just two weeks earlier, a moment that had already transformed their lives.

“Honestly, it’s been a blur of emotions,” he said. “Bringing our baby into the world just two weeks ago has already turned our lives upside down in the most beautiful way.”

Like many new parents, they are adjusting in real time.

“We’re learning as we go, figuring out sleepless nights, tiny routines, and soaking in every little moment,” he said.

At the same time, their business, Roxy Lounge, continues to demand their attention. The restaurant is more than a workplace. It is deeply personal.

“Roxy Lounge is so much more to us than just a business. It’s part of our story as a family,” he said. “We’ve poured everything we have into it, our time, our energy, and a lot of heart.”

That journey has not been easy.

“There were moments, especially in the beginning, where things felt uncertain and even a little scary, but we believed in what we were building,” he said. “We are still building and there is a lot more to do.”

Over time, the restaurant has grown into something far more meaningful.

“Our customers aren’t just customers. They’ve become part of our extended family,” he said. “That sense of connection is what keeps us going, even on the hardest days.”

Balancing a new baby and a growing business is no small task, but the win has brought a sense of relief.

“This win gives us something we haven’t felt in a while, breathing room,” he said. “It allows us to think about the future with a little less worry.”

For now, their focus remains simple.

“Right now, our focus is on our family and finding our footing as new parents,” he said.

Still, they do have hopes for what comes next.

“We’d love to put some of it back into Roxy Lounge, continue growing and improving what we’ve built, and also create some stability for our family,” he said. “Being able to spend a bit more time together, especially during these early days with our baby, is something we really value.”

In quieter moments, the weight of it all is still sinking in.

“There have been quiet moments where we just sit together, holding our baby, and reflect on everything, how far we’ve come, the risks we’ve taken, and how much has changed in such a short time,” he said. “It’s overwhelming, but in the best way.”

The experience has also shifted their perspective.

“If anything, it’s made us slow down and reflect,” he said. “It’s not just about the business or the day-to-day hustle. It’s about family, connection, and appreciating the moments that don’t come around twice.”

The response from the community has only deepened that feeling.

“The love and support has been overwhelming,” he said. “We’ve had so many messages, hugs, and kind words. It’s been really emotional to experience.”

For a couple rooted in their community, that support means everything.

“It really reinforces why we love being part of this community so much,” he said.

As the excitement settles, one message stands above the rest.

“Just a heartfelt thank you,” he said. “To everyone who has supported us, whether by visiting Roxy Lounge, sharing kind words, or simply being part of our journey, we’re so grateful.”

And in a moment that feels bigger than a single win, he says it is something shared.

“This moment feels bigger than just us,” he said. “It feels like something we’re sharing with the community that has supported us from the beginning, and we’re incredibly thankful to be part of it.”