The Ultimate Giveaway has its grand winner for 2024 in Gwen Pare!

Pare selected the Living Sky Casino Stay, Play & Getaway Package. Included in her prize is two $100 gift cards for Horizons Restaurant, six $100 Living Sky Casino gift cards for play and drinks, two $2,500 travel vouchers from Marlin Travel towards a trip of her choice, one $200 installment of fuel card for Pioneer Co-op, and two $2,000 Mastercards for spending money.

The Shaunavon native made it up to Riverview Village Estates for the contest, not expecting in the slightest how her night was going to go.  

"Generally, I don't win anything," said Pare. "So, when I opened up the box and the balloons were there, I was all 'YAY!'."

She found out she had qualified for the Ultimate Giveaway on May 27, when Colin Powers called her to let her know.

Gwen Page speaks with Colin Powers, where she previewed which prize she would pick if she won.Gwen Pare speaks with Colin Powers, where she previewed which prize she would pick if she won.

Once at the event, she was quick to make it through the initial elimination rounds, before having to survive rock paper scissors to make it to the semi-final round.

Onlookers smile as a pair of contestants battle it out in a thrilling round of rock, paper, scissors. Onlookers smile as a pair of contestants battle it out in a thrilling round of rock, paper, scissors.

Once she and 16 others had cleared the rock, paper, and scissors round, they went outside to the mini golf putting range. All of them then had a chance to putt their assigned ball, trying to land it the closest to the marked ball, à la boche.

Even with a bit of a cross wind, many of the shots were close to the mark. Even with a bit of a crosswind, many of the shots were close to the mark. 

"That's the first time I've ever had a golf club in my hand," said Pare.

An apparent short-game prodigy, she was one of the final seven who managed to get her shot close enough to advance.

Goldenwest employees mark out which shots landed the closest, measuring them as they selected the final seven contestants. Golden West employees mark out which shots landed the closest, measuring them as they selected the final seven contestants. 

The final stage involved a lineup of wrapped presents, each a stand-in for one of the seven prize packages. Choosing a snazzy black and white polka dot box, Pare just so happened to have the stars align for her big win.

Prize sponsor representatives stand in line with the mystery packs. Prize sponsor representatives stand in line with the mystery packs. 

If Pare has the chance to play again next year, she figures she ought to if her luck has been this good the first time.

The other prize packages up for grabs were as follows.

Prize Package #1- The Ultimate Student Starter Pack from Great Plains College 

  • A Master Chef E-Star 3.3cu-ft Mini Fridge ($279.99) 
  • A 55” LG UQ75 Series 4K LED Smart webOS TV ($699.95) 
  • A $3,000 Staples gift card for all your computer and tech needs ($3,000) 
  • A $2,000 Voth’s BrandSource gift card to help furnish your new place ($2,000) 
  • A $2,000 Co-op gift card for all your food and fuel needs ($2,000) 
  • A $1,000 back-to-school shopping spree ($1,000) 
  • $1,000 cash to use toward tuition, books, rent or fun ($1,000) 

 Prize Package #2- Toronto Sports Getaway from Nutrien Ag

Aug 21 - Toronto Blue Jays vs. Cincinnati Reds - 2 premium tickets ($400 taxes included) 

Aug 22 - Toronto Argonauts vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders - 2 premium tickets ($250) 

Aug 23 - Toronto Blue Jays vs. Los Angeles Angels - 2 premium tickets ($400) 

$2,000 flight voucher with Air Canada 

$3,500 voucher for Toronto City Centre Mariott Hotel 

$3,300 spending cash 

Prize Package #3- Put Your Feet Up Package from The Brick 

No more fighting over the perfect spot in the living room, with this great furniture package! 

You’ll get a sofa, loveseat and matching chair in genuine leather, with power reclining, power adjustable headrests, USB charging ports, and cupholders as well as a drop-down tray in the middle seat with additional plug-ins and cup holders. This set is only available in brown. 

Prize Package #4- Pick Your Ride Package from Cypress Motors 

 Cruise around in style with $10,000 to spend at Cypress Motors!   

  • Voucher only to be used toward the purchase or lease of a new or used vehicle 

Prize Package #5- Ten Grand in Your Hand Package from Canadian Tire  

 It's the shopping spree you’ve been dreaming of.  Cruise the aisles of Canadian Tire and fill your cart with everything for gardening to garages and MORE!   

  • $10,000 in store credit for Canadian Tire. (Can only be used at Swift Current location) 

 Prize Package #6-Take The Bull by the Horns in Vegas Package from Brovac 

 Grab your boots and hats and saddle up for an action-packed trip for two to Las Vegas to take in the NATIONAL FINALS RODEO including... 

  • Air Canada flight voucher $2,500 
  • Luxor Hotel Voucher $700 
  • 2 premium tickets for NFR ($3,360) 
  • Spending cash $3,440