A Brampton couple who won a $70-million Lotto Max jackpot says they plan to take things slowly, seek trusted financial advice and use part of the life-changing prize to help family and friends.
Audrey and Wills W., who immigrated to Canada from Jamaica decades ago, won the jackpot in the May 8 draw. The winning Lotto Max Quick Pick ticket was a Mother’s Day gift from Wills to Audrey.
“We don’t have any big plans yet, but we’ll take things slowly and work with our trusted advisors… We came to Canada with nothing. We worked hard, learned to save, and never lived beyond our means. It will take a while to get used to this,” Audrey said.
The couple also said their loved ones will be among the first to benefit.
“Our family and friends will benefit from this win. We want to share and lift others up,” Audrey said.
Mother’s Day Gift Becomes $70M Lotto Max Win
Audrey checked the ticket through the OLG app and initially struggled to understand the amount shown on the screen.
“I saw the winning amount on the screen, turned to Wills, and said, ‘Look at this — is this $70?’ He glanced at it and said, ‘No, look again because there are so many more zeros!’” she recalled. “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 heard reports that the winning ticket was sold in Brampton. Hours before her parents checked the ticket, she told them she believed they were the winners.
When Audrey and Wills later confirmed the news, she smiled and said, “I knew it!”
Couple Looks Ahead After Life-Changing Jackpot
Wills said the size of the win brought an intense emotional reaction.
“I could feel it pulsing through my body. I may look calm and cool on the outside, but I’m thrilled on the inside,” he said.
Audrey hopes to build her dream home in Jamaica, spend winters there and summers in Canada, and renovate her Brampton kitchen. Wills, a vintage-car enthusiast, hopes to buy and restore classic cars.
The couple also wants to travel, especially in the Caribbean.
“As long as I have my wife, a nice home, and the sun is shining, everything is good.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Canco One Stop Gas Station on Steeles Avenue in Brampton.
