A Brampton couple who immigrated to Canada from Jamaica with nothing is celebrating a life-changing $70-million Lotto Max jackpot, courtesy of a Mother's Day gift.
The winning ticket, a simple Lotto Max Quick Pick, was a gift from Wills to Audrey, and its massive prize was revealed when Audrey checked it using the lottery app.
According to Audrey, she was the first to check the ticket and saw the winning amount on the screen. "I saw the winning amount on the screen, turned to Wills, and said, 'Look at this — is this $70?'" she recalled. "He glanced at it and said, 'No, look again because there are so many more zeros!' When I realized it was $70 million, I was shocked… I started jumping on the bed in excitement and then fell to my knees overcome with joy."
Their daughter had already suspected the truth, even before they checked the ticket. After hearing the winning ticket was sold in Brampton, she told her parents she was convinced they were the winners — hours before they even checked the ticket.
The couple, who immigrated to Canada decades ago, say the magnitude of the win still feels surreal. They are approaching the windfall with gratitude and caution, working with their trusted advisors to manage their newfound wealth.
The couple says their loved ones will be the first to benefit from the win. "Our family and friends will benefit from this win. We want to share and lift others up," Audrey said.
They already have a few personal dreams in mind, including Audrey's plan to build her dream home in Jamaica and Wills' hope to purchase and restore classic cars. Both are eager to travel, especially to the Caribbean.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Canco One Stop Gas Station on Steeles Avenue in Brampton.
The couple's win is a testament to their hard work and dedication to saving and living within their means. As they look to the future, they are excited to share their good fortune with their loved ones and take things slowly.
