Brampton Couple Celebrates $70 Million Lottery Win

A recently retired couple from Brampton is excited about their “next level” retirement after winning a massive $70 million Lotto Max jackpot.

Audrey and Wills W., who are married and originally hail from Jamaica, said that this win brings them newfound freedom as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

“Our family and friends will benefit from this win. We want to share and lift others up,” Audrey said.

“Most importantly, we can live our lives on our terms.”

Wills added: “I’ve been working towards my retirement, and now, it’s going to be next level.”

Wills gifted Audrey the winning Lotto Max quick pick ticket for Mother’s Day, according to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation on Wednesday.

The ticket was bought at the Canco One Stop Gas Station on Steeles Avenue in Brampton, with the draw taking place on May 8.

DURING their celebration at the OLG Centre in Toronto, the couple shared that they’ve been playing the lottery with OLG for many years.

They mentioned that winning feels surreal.

“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.

Travel tops their wish list

The couple mentioned they don’t have any immediate plans but hope to take things slow while dreaming up future adventures.

Travel is high on their agenda; they’re looking forward to taking some cruises and enjoying time by the Caribbean Sea.

For Audrey, her dreams include building a home in Jamaica where family and friends can stay during visits, updating their kitchen in Brampton, and creating a cozy gathering space for meals together.

“We’ll absolutely make the most of this win,” Audrey said.

For Wills, he hopes to buy and restore a classic car.

Wills gave Audrey the winning Lotto Max quick pick ticket for Mother’s Day, according to a news release from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation on Wednesday. (Morgan Kitchen/OLG)

Their daughter had faith they’d win

Audrey explained she was first to realize they had won when she checked their ticket using the OLG app.

“I saw the winning amount on screen, turned to Wills, and said, ‘Look at this – is this $70?’ He glanced at it and replied, ‘No – look again because there are so many more zeros!’

“When I realized it was $70 million, I was shocked. I had to double-check just to confirm it was real. That’s when I started jumping on the bed in excitement before falling down overcome with joy!”

A few hours prior to checking their ticket together, their daughter heard reports about a winning Lotto Max ticket sold in Brampton and believed her parents were winners all along.

“When we finally told her about our win she smiled big saying ‘I knew it!’” Audrey recalled.

No matter what happens next, Wills remains grounded saying: “As long as I have my wife, a nice home, andthe sun is shining, everythingisgood.”

If you’re interested in stories about Black Canadians-from experiences like anti-Black racismto success stories withintheir communities-check out Being Blackin Canada, a CBC projectthat celebrates Black Canadians’ achievements. Youcan read morestories here.

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