Roger and Therese Sirois of Garson are celebrating after winning the jackpot, worth $9,333,580.80, from the July 11 LOTTO 6/49 draw.
“We’ve been playing LOTTO 6/49 since it started,” said the couple of 50 years, while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up their cheque. “We also enjoy LOTTARIO, DAILY GRAND and POKER LOTTO.”
Having played LOTTO 6/49 every Wednesday since 1982, their ticket purchase for the July 11 draw was like any other Wednesday, with one Quick Pick and one ticket with their own numbers. Little did the couple know, that this Wednesday ticket would change their lives forever.
Therese decided to check the tickets on the OLG Lottery App the day after the draw and saw the words “Big Winner!” She double checked on the website just to be sure.
“I thought I was having an out-of-body experience, it was shocking,” Therese said.
The couple invited their two sons over on the weekend to surprise them, telling them they were moving to Toronto, which had them excited, and then handing them a photo copy of the winning ticket and validation slip.
“At first they were speechless – then it was hard to get them to stop talking. We are happy to see the kids so excited,” the couple said.
Therese, a retired CRA employee, and Roger, an ex-military veteran of 35 years, plan to share the money with the family and buy a house closer to their sons and grandchildren in Toronto.
“A family vacation is also on the horizon,” said Therese. “But we are taking it day-by-day aside from that.”
“I feel like I’m on cloud nine!” Roger said.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Garson Mini Mart on Falconbridge Highway in Garson.
