TORONTO, Nov. 17, 2017 /CNW/ - "It feels like we won the lottery twice – the first time, when we all became friends – and now THIS! It's a dream-come-true to be here with each other!" That sentiment is echoed by every single member of this group of 26 best friends and neighbours from Garson, near Sudbury, who won the $10 million LOTTO MAX jackpot from the October 13, 2017 draw.
Group leader Eric usually buys the LOTTO MAX tickets but on this occasion, it was his wife Amber who did the shopping. "We still can't believe this is real," she said. Group member Mike discovered the big win first. He used the OLG Lottery App and then shared the good news with his wife Sherry. "I was jumping around our kitchen." The news spread fast and an impromptu street party followed.
Today is jackpot payday after all 26 friends flew to Toronto to pick up their big prize. "I still have butterflies in my stomach," confessed group member Nicole. Amy calls the win 'a gift.' "So many lives will be changed – more family time, less overtime," she smiled.
This group is a great mix, including dads, moms, firefighters, miners, a teacher, a nurse, hair dresser, construction worker, young families and long-time couples who've played together for about two years and promise to keep on playing together!
All have big plans for their big win. There will be new trucks, new cars and new SUVs parked in driveways – and maybe a few new snowmobiles too! While some winners are considering breaking ground in spring for new swimming pools others already have their sights set on lakefront property. Mortgages will be paid off and education funds topped up. Travel is also high on the wish list – including family vacations and couples-only getaways too!
Winners Trevor and Kyla have an extra special trip to plan. "We're getting married next summer and our honeymoon will be amazing!"
"These friends are like family and they mean the world to me," shared Adam. The whole group agreed, adding – "It's one thing to dream about winning the lottery but when it actually happens, and with your very best friends, that's the icing on the cake!"
The group members are:
Eric Fournier
Amber Fournier
Michel Crepeault
Sherry Crepeault
Ryan Chretien
Christine Chretien
Patrick Hauser
Amy Hauser
Robert LeFave
Sarah LeFave
Guy Levasseur
Melanie Levasseur
Jason MacKinnon
Erin MacKinnon
Trevor Gibbons
Kyla Roach
Roger Delaire
Josee Caron
Brent Cadotte
Lynn Denis
Martin Kennedy
Nicole Sloan
Trevor Warkus
Melissa Warkus
Adam Webber
Ashley Webber
The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on Lasalle Boulevard in Sudbury.
OLG is the Ontario government agency that delivers gaming entertainment in a socially responsible manner. OLG conducts and manages gaming facilities, the sale of province-wide lottery games, PlayOLG Internet gaming, the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres and is helping to build a more sustainable horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has provided nearly $47 billion to the Province and the people of Ontario. These payments to the province support the operation of hospitals, amateur sport through the Quest for Gold program, local and provincial charities and problem gambling prevention, treatment and research.
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