Silver anniversaries don’t come much bigger. Aeroplan’s Big Two Five Contest was the largest celebration in Aeroplan history. Trips to exotic destinations, experiential and merchandise rewards — all were up for grabs. As were the biggest prizes of all: five million Aeroplan Miles. Hundreds of thousands entered from across Canada. So who won? Here are four lucky members’ stories (see a full list of all the winners here):
Aeroplan’s Big Two Five Contest winner Jason Kotler.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JASON KOTLER
NAME: Jason Kotler
HOME: Toronto, Ontario
AEROPLAN MEMBERSHIP: 14 years
PRIZE: One million Aeroplan Miles
Why did you enter the contest?
I got a general invite through email. It was pretty good: I’ve never seen a contest that interactive before.
How did it feel to win?
It was a very lucky week for me, as we had a baby boy, Nolan, on Saturday night and won the contest on Tuesday night. I was actually holding the three-day-old when they called to tell me I had won; and I had to put him down to go upstairs to focus on the skill-testing question.
How do you plan to use your prize?
So far I’ve booked a family trip down to Florida at Christmas. Other plans include Europe for some business trips. I’d love to go to Southeast Asia at some point. It’s nice to know I have a big account balance! Sometimes I take a sneak peek at my account and I still can’t believe it.
How did your friends react?
All my friends were amazed – there are lots of people in my field who work in travel and amass these things, and even they are amazed.
Aeroplan’s Big Two Five Contest winner Janice Meier.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JANICE MEIER
NAME: Janice Meier
HOME: Vancouver, B.C.
AEROPLAN MEMBERSHIP: 10 years
PRIZE: Two Air Canada Executive First tickets to Europe
Why did you enter the contest?
My husband encouraged me to enter. I never believed that people actually won these prizes, and now that I’ve won this, it’s encouraged my friends to [enter contests] — they never believed anyone won either, and they were so shocked when I told them!
Where do you plan to visit?
I’m heading to Zurich with my husband — then extending our trip to Istanbul. I had always wanted to see Turkey, but my husband and I have been talking about settling down and not travelling as much, so I had resigned myself to the fact that I would never see it. Then I won this prize and it made it a possibility!
How do you accumulate your miles?
I use my Aeroplan-affiliated financial card wherever and whenever I can, even if it's just for a cup of coffee.
Aeroplan’s Big Two Five Contest winner Barb Atkinson.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY BARB ATKINSON
NAME: Barb Atkinson
HOME: Riverview, New Brunswick
AEROPLAN MEMBERSHIP: 10 years
PRIZE: Two Tapis Rouge tickets to Cirque du Soleil’s “Ovo” in Montreal
Who did you take on the trip?
When I received the call that I had won the prize, I had a list of people who I would have loved to take. Neither my friend nor I had visited Montreal, and I now consider it a “must see” gem for both Canadian travellers and international friends.
How was the show?
From the moment we entered the VIP hospitality area until the time we exited with our souvenir photograph, we were overwhelmed and exhilarated... the whole experience was breathtaking and magical. We were treated like royalty. The staff, the cast, everyone made us feel like the performance and true hospitality was just for us.
What’s been your best travel experience?
A Caribbean Disney cruise with 21 of my family members and friends is one of my most cherished trip memories. I also smile to think of bartering at Stanley Market in Hong Kong, or my first look at the Canadian Rockies, or driving down the Pacific Coast Highway in California, or standing in Shakespeare’s cottage in Stratford. What a wonderful place this world of ours is!
Aeroplan’s Big Two Five Contest winner Gilberto Romero.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY GILBERTO ROMERO
NAME: Gilberto Romero
HOME: Calgary, Alberta
AEROPLAN MEMBERSHIP: 4 years
PRIZE: Two Air Canada Executive First tickets to South America
Why did you enter the contest?
I received an email from Aeroplan saying that they were celebrating 25 years and they were inviting members to enter their Big Two Five Contest. I entered for four days straight.
How did you react when you won?
My wife and I were planning a trip to the States in late July, but when I received the call from Aeroplan we immediately changed our plans and booked our flights to Columbia.
How was the trip?
It’s a coincidence that Columbia happens to be my home country. We typically visit my family and friends every year or two in Columbia, but what made the trip extra special was the opportunity to fly in Air Canada’s Executive First Suites. The service was amazing. It had lie-flat beds — it had everything!
