TORONTO, July 8, 2013 /CNW/ - The Powell family of Peterborough can hardly believe their good fortune after discovering they are Ontario's latest multi-millionaires following their $50 million jackpot win in the July 5, 2013 LOTTO MAX draw.
The close-knit family of six - two parents and their adult children - have been playing LOTTO MAX as a group since its launch in 2009.
"We often played LOTTO 6/49 together but Dad was the one that got us onto LOTTO MAX because of the bigger jackpots. Mom, however, was the one to buy the tickets. She would always pitch in extra money anytime that one of the kids forgot - she wanted to make sure we were in this together," said Michael, 41.
"We are happy when Ontario residents win jackpots that are so life-changing. We wish the Powell family the very best as they celebrate this great win," said John Mahony, Executive Director of Lottery Marketing of OLG, as he presented the Powells with the $50 million cheque at the OLG Prize Centre today.
Lynda, the 66 year old matriarch, purchased the winning ticket and was the first one to find out about the win. "I heard that the winning ticket was sold in Peterborough but never thought that we were the winners. I checked the ticket on the self-scanner after grocery shopping and was shocked to see all the zeros!"
When Lynda shared the news with her husband, John, a 71 year old contractor, he wanted to double check the numbers. After their internet connection was too slow, he ran straight out to the corner store to get a paper. "I didn't even change out of my pajamas!" he said.
After sharing the news with all their children, the family celebrated their win on Saturday evening although Lynda still woke up early the following morning to report into her job as a dietary aide at a nursing home. "I didn't want to let them down . . . but I did quit this morning," Lynda said with a smile.
As for plans for their winnings, sharing with extended family and a group trip to Disneyland and Wales are in the works. Most plan to keep their jobs in the immediate future. "After all, payroll is still due next Tuesday," said Gaylene, a 43 year old accounting clerk.
Lynda also voiced that she'd love a Cadillac Escalade in gold. "I never thought mom could think that big," Michael laughed.
The group members are:
Lynda Powell, Peterborough
John Powell, Peterborough
Daniel Powell, 45, Hastings
Gaylene Powell, Peterborough
Michael Powell, Newcastle
Sion Powell, 38, Peterborough
The winning ticket was purchased at Walmart on Lansdowne Street West in Peterborough.
Since its launch in September 2009, Ontario LOTTO MAX players have won over $1.8 billion in prizes, including 28 jackpot wins and 169 winning MAXMILLIONS tickets from all across the province.
Friday's LOTTO MAX jackpot will be an estimated $12 million.
OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG lotteries, Casinos, Slots, and Resort Casinos have generated more than $36 billion for the benefit of the Province of Ontario. Proceeds from OLG's operations help support Ontario's hospitals, amateur sport through the QUEST FOR GOLD program, recreational and cultural activities, communities, provincial priority programs such as health care and education, and local and provincial charities.
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Image with caption: "John Mahony, OLG Executive Director of Lottery Marketing, left, presents the Powell family of Peterborough with a cheque for $50 million at the OLG Prize Centre Monday. The Powells won the LOTTO MAX jackpot prize after purchasing a ticket for the July 5 draw. (CNW Group/OLG Winners)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130708_C6089_PHOTO_EN_28861.jpg
SOURCE: OLG Winners
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OLG is a crown agency that develops world-class gaming entertainment for the Province of Ontario. 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...
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