$25-million Lotto Max win shocks Order of Canada recipient
For one Lotto Max player, a quick stop for gas and a candy bar to satisfy a sweet tooth led to a shocking multimillion-dollar lottery win.
Charles “Charlie” Coffey, 81, is a retiree who worked in banking and lives in Toronto, Ont. For Coffey, it was a day like any other when he drove to a neighbourhood Shell gas station to fill up his car and buy his favourite chocolate bar.
While there, he also scanned a couple of Lotto Max tickets.
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“When I checked my tickets on the self-scanner, one wasn’t a winner, but the other was, I thought I saw $25,000 and said to myself, ‘That’s interesting!'” recalled Coffey. “But I didn’t have my glasses on, so I got them out, went back to check what I thought was a $25,000 ticket, and saw $25 million!”
Back home, as soon as he was through the door, he immediately asked a family member to confirm his winning numbers — he was indeed the winner of the Lotto Max top prize in the Jan. 31, 2025, draw.
“When we finally accepted the fact that the ticket was worth $25 million, someone suggested they take my pulse to make sure I was alive and seeing the amount of the win,” he said, laughing.
Coffey is the first-ever Officer of the Order of Canada to win a major Lotto Max jackpot in OLG’s history.
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“I was born in rural New Brunswick many, many years ago,” he explained. “I come from very humble beginnings, and the teachings of my mother and father when I was a child ensured that I had humility as I grew up and remained as humble as I possibly can to this day.”
He has advocated for several causes across Canada involving Indigenous peoples, children and early child development, women entrepreneurs and women in public office, and education and diversity. His dedication has earned him several accolades: Coffey was named Honorary Chief by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs and was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003.
He said that the win would allow him to support causes that are important to him.
“I believe in the premise of a hand-up versus a handout and want to support organizations that need a stronger voice,” said Coffey while at the OLG Prize Centre to claim his winnings.
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“The motto for the Order of Canada is ‘They desire a better country,’ and that speaks to me. A desire for a better Toronto, a better Ontario, and a better Canada, in particular for our Indigenous peoples.”
He also plans to celebrate his big win by taking the family on vacation.
“I’m excited to plan a wonderful family holiday so that we can celebrate and make more precious memories together,” he shared.
Coffey purchased his Lotto Max ticket at the Shell gas station on Yonge Street in North York.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.