Ready for Adventure: Group of Five Friends from Ottawa Area Celebrate $60 Million Lotto Max Win! Français
TORONTO, July 19, 2018 /CNW/ - "We've always been travelers and adventure seekers but this win makes almost anything possible. It's not just that we can travel more – it's that we can travel anywhere in the world!" smiled Christopher, one of the members of a group of five winners from the Ottawa area, who won the $60 million LOTTO MAX jackpot from the July 13, 2018 draw.
The group of IT professionals began playing lottery as a group over 10 years ago when they all worked together. Over the years they've formed a close bond, travelling together and meeting each other's families. "Playing the lottery became a way to keep in regular touch with each other when some of us moved on to other jobs," shared group member Norman.
The group members, all married with nine children between them, take turns each week buying their ticket. They play LOTTO MAX and LOTTO 6/49, sometimes playing Quick Pick and other times choosing their own numbers. Depending on who's turn it is, they purchase their ticket in Ontario and other times in nearby Quebec.
"It was my week to purchase a ticket. I almost forgot but remembered to pick one up last Friday when I was nearly out of gas," explained Bryan. "I checked our ticket the next morning on the OLG Lottery App and was stunned when I saw '$60,000,000' on the screen. I scanned it again immediately because I just couldn't believe it."
Bryan drove to the closest lottery retailer to check his ticket on the Ticket Checker. "When the prize amount was confirmed, I knew it was time to spread the news to the group. I got back in my car, locked the door and started dialing numbers, crying and shaking – but no one was answering their phones!" he laughed.
Bryan finally reached group member Gilles, "I was half asleep when I answered the phone and all I heard was Bryan raving 'We did it! We did it!' When I realized he was saying that we won the lottery, I couldn't believe him!"
As the news spread throughout the group, shock, disbelief and excitement were some of the flurry of emotions that followed. "We decided to meet that evening and validate the ticket together. When the lottery terminal shut down, that's when it all started to feel real," smiled group member Stephane.
As for their plans for their windfall and their future, there is much to be decided as the shock wears off and their new reality sets in. Most group members are still unsure of whether or not they will keep their jobs – early retirement or change of career is on some of their minds. "This is life-changing. This windfall opens so many opportunities for our family and future. We not only have financial freedom but now the time and opportunity to do anything we want," explained Christopher.
One thing they all agree on is that they will continue to travel and seek out adventure. "Three of us are recreational scuba divers and now it's not a question of if, but when we can go diving in the Great Barrier Reef!" smiled Stephane. "Travel and adventure will not just be once in a blue moon but once every full moon."
The group members are:
Bryan Redman of Ottawa
Christopher Beazley of Carleton Place
Gilles Dionne of Gatineau
Norman MacDonald of Gatineau
Stephane Dionne of Embrun
The winning ticket was purchased at Mr. Gas on Innes Road in Orleans.
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