TORRINGTON, Alta. – Martin Vervloet carried the UFA entry form around in his truck for two weeks before a local farm service centre manager reminded him to fill it in for a sweepstakes running this summer.
It is a good thing he did, because the Torrington farmer ended up with the grand prize, a $50,000 gift certificate from the Alberta farmer co-operative.
The surprise win could not have come at a better time for Martin, his wife Melodie and their eight children.
Crowded into an old farm house of less than 900 sq. feet, the couple was dreaming of the day they could renovate and add much needed space.
“I’ve been hoping and praying for an addition,” said Melodie, who home schools their children aged one to 17 while Martin manages a nearby farm.
“The timing was just phenomenal,” he said.
