Winner wants to continue supporting causes close to his heart
TORONTO, March 20, 2025 /CNW/ - For the first time in OLG history, an Officer of the Order of Canada has won a major lottery jackpot in Ontario. Charles Coffey of Toronto won the $25 million LOTTO MAX jackpot from the January 31, 2025 draw.
Charles, better known as "Charlie" to his family and friends, has received many prestigious awards and accolades over the years, but this one hits a bit different. During his recent Winner Celebration where he collected his $25 million LOTTO MAX cheque, Charlie admitted he's "overwhelmed, humbled, and filled with gratitude by this massive lottery windfall."
Charlie's journey to this LOTTO MAX win started with a visit to a neighbourhood gas station to fill up his car, grab his favourite chocolate bar to satisfy his sweet tooth, and check a couple of LOTTO MAX tickets. "When I checked my tickets on the self-scanner, one wasn't a winner, but the other was. I thought I saw $25,000 and said to myself, 'That's interesting!" explained Charlie. "But I didn't have my glasses on, so I got them out, went back to check what I thought was a $25,000 ticket, and saw $25 million!"
Charlie rushed home to get a second opinion. "As soon I got in the door, I asked a family member to help me confirm the numbers. They read the numbers back to me as I checked them again. When we finally accepted the fact that the ticket was worth $25 million, someone suggested they take my pulse to make sure I was alive and seeing the amount of the win!" When word spread among Charlie's family, they were all shocked and overjoyed!
The 81-year-old retiree, who spent his career in the banking industry, grew up in a small town in New Brunswick as the seventh of nine children. That was where his beliefs in hard work, supporting his community, and always remaining humble were instilled in him. He has since passed these values down to his children and grandchildren.
For years, Charlie has championed causes in Toronto and across Canada, involving Indigenous peoples, children and early child development, women entrepreneurs and women in public office, as well as education and diversity. His dedication to these and many more causes is well-documented through numerous accolades. In addition to being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003, the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs named Charlie an Honorary Chief for his support of First Nations. He also received the Canadian Women's International Business Initiative Award from the Canadian Embassy in the United States.
For Charlie, this LOTTO MAX jackpot win means he can continue his life of public service. "This win gives me the opportunity to sustainably support the causes I have championed for decades. I believe in the premise of a hand-up versus a handout and want to support organizations that need a stronger voice. The motto for the Order of Canada is 'They desire a better country' and that speaks to me. A desire for a better Toronto, a better Ontario, and a better Canada, in particular for our Indigenous peoples."
While Charlie is focused on supporting the causes closest to his heart, we were able to get him to tell us one thing he wants to do for himself with this win. "I'm excited to plan a wonderful family holiday so that we can celebrate and make more precious memories together."
Charlie purchased his LOTTO MAX ticket at the Shell gas station on Yonge Street in North York.
For the video and photos of Charlie's winner celebration, please see the link below:
Winner's Celebration Video and Photos:
(Link good for 30 days – no password needed)
Link contains:
File 1 – Winner Video - Broadcast ready version & Winner Video - Web ready version
File 2 – Winner Photos
LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $9 billion since 2009, including 114 jackpot wins and 937 MAXMILLIONS prizes, right across the province. LOTTO MAX is $5 per play and draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Important to know – 100 per cent of OLG's profits are invested in Ontario, so when you play LOTTO MAX, you are playing for Ontario.
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OLG is a crown agency that contributes to a better Ontario by delivering great entertainment experiences for our customers. Acting in a socially responsible way, OLG conducts and manages land-based gaming facilities; the sale of province-wide lottery games; Internet gaming; and the delivery of bingo and other electronic gaming products at Charitable Gaming Centres. OLG is also helping support the horse racing industry in Ontario. Since 1975, OLG has generated approximately $62 billion for the people and Province of Ontario to support key government priorities like health care; the treatment and prevention of problem gambling; and support for amateur athletes. Each year profits from OLG's operations also support host communities, Ontario First Nations, lottery retailers and local charities across the province.
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