‘I asked my girlfriend to check my ticket for me, and she thought I was joking until she saw the prize amount of $25 million. We were both shocked,’ says local plumber
He wasn’t expecting anything unusual while checking his ticket on the OLG app.
But a man identified by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation as Innisfil resident Stanley J. quickly found out his life was about to change for the better.
Stanley discovered he had won the $25-million jackpot in the July 24 Lotto Max draw.
During a special winner celebration held at Gateway Casino Innisfil, Stanley told OLG his winning entry was based on a set of numbers he originally got from a Quick Pick ticket.
Stanley purchased the winning ticket while visiting his girlfriend in Woodstock.
While checking it, Stanley initially thought he had won $25,000.
“I soon realized I won much more, but I was in shock,” he said. “I asked my girlfriend to check my ticket for me, and she thought I was joking until she saw the prize amount of $25 million. We were both shocked.”
Stanley, who worked as a plumber for about 40 years, described what happened when he began sharing the news of his windfall.
“I wanted to quietly tell a few family members and friends, but to my surprise, word spread fast. Everyone was happy for me and said it couldn’t have happened to a nicer guy,” he said. “It’ll take some time to sink in.”
According to the release, once the $25 million was in his bank account, his eyes welled up with emotion and he shouted out, “Wow, I am a friggin’ millionaire!”
With his windfall, Stanley says he plans to buy a new house on the lake and share his winnings with immediate family.
“I want to spoil my granddaughter and daughter,” he said. “This win brings me a sense of comfort.”
Stanley also looks forward to travelling.
“I’d like to show my girlfriend some of my favourite places. I love the sun, sand and beaches,” he said.
A fan of classic cars and trucks, Stanley has also begun the search for his dream classic hot rod.
Stanley’s $25-million winning Lotto Max ticket was purchased at Food Basics on Dundas Street in Woodstock.
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