Lottery winner says moving to Canada still the best thing that happened to her
Despite a major lottery win, one Canadian says moving to Canada is still the best thing that’s ever happened to her.
Lottery player Drita Zeqiri lives in Winnipeg, Man. One day, while at a Real Canadian Superstore, she decided to try her luck by buying a Lotto Max ticket. After buying her ticket, she tucked it away in her purse, completely forgetting about her purchase.
“I was at a store with my daughter-in-law and grandson, and when we went to pay, I saw it in my purse!” said Zeqiri. “I gave it to the cashier to scan, and when I checked the screen, I thought it said I’d won a dollar!”
But a closer look left everyone in shock.
“The cashier said, ‘There’s more zeroes!'” she recalled, laughing.
Zeqiri managed to score a $1-million Maxmillions prize in the Lotto Max draw on March 31.
“I couldn’t believe it — a million! I screamed and jumped up and down!” she said, adding that she didn’t care that people at the store began to stare.
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For Zeqiri, the win was another standout moment since she moved to Canada.
“This is the second time I have ever been this happy — the first was when I came to Canada. It was my dream,” she explained. “Now, I have won $1 million. Canada is the best country in the world with the best people in the world!”
While at the prize centre to claim her cheque, Zeqiri said she’s excited to share her second dream-come-true moment with her loved ones and enjoy her winnings with them.
“Right now, I’m going to put it in the bank,” she said. “But I’m going to make some plans to share it with my kids and put it towards my retirement!”
Zeqiri purchased her winning ticket from Real Canadian Superstore at 215 St. Anne’s Rd. in Winnipeg.
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.