Canadian teen to pay off sister's student loans with major lottery prize

After just three months of playing the lottery, a 19-year-old from Ontario has already hit the jackpot.

Aurora resident Matin Kelidisian is in shock after winning $1,430,311 in the December 21 Lottario draw.

Each week, he makes sure to grab his Lottario, Ontario 49, Lotto Max, and Lotto 6/49 Quick Pick tickets.

Kelidisian could never have imagined that, just months after buying his first-ever lottery ticket, he’d be celebrating his first big win.

“I went to the store to have my ticket validated. When I saw the prize amount, I immediately started running around the store. With pure joy, I screamed, ‘I won! I won!’ The other customers in the store were looking at me like I was crazy, but I didn’t care!” he said when he visited the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his windfall.

Kelidisian says he was so hyped a store clerk offered him water and advised him to take a seat and catch his breath.

“It was the happiest moment ever. My face was red, and I was shaking. It was electrifying – like a thousand shocks coursing through my body,” he recalled.

The first to hear of his lottery win were his parents.

“I called my parents, who were out shopping at the time, and said, ‘Mom! Dad! I won the lottery! Come quick!’ They dropped everything and got to me within 10 minutes,” Kelidisian recounted.

“When my mom saw me, her reaction was priceless. She was crying tears of joy and telling everyone in the store how deserving I was of this prize. Hearing my mom speak those kind words was such a beautiful feeling.”

He says he’s only told his parents, his sister and his girlfriend about his big win.

“I plan to share the news with family and friends once I have the cheque in hand. I can’t wait to see my friend’s reactions when I tell them!” smiled Kelidisian.

The 19-year-old apprentice plans to share his lottery windfall with his family.

“I’m so thankful for this win. I feel blessed to have won this jackpot at my age,” he beamed.

“I’m so happy I can help my parents, especially after everything they’ve done for me. I want to help them with bills and their mortgage, easing a bit of stress. I want to pay off my sister’s student loans and invest for the long term.”

He also plans to treat himself to his first trip outside of Canada. “I’ve never been outside of Canada, so I think I’ll treat myself to a few trips. First stop: the Dominican!”

Kelidisian bought his winning lottery ticket at Andrew’s Convenience on Bayview Avenue in Aurora.

Make sure to check your Lotto Max ticket from Tuesday’s draw. You could be a lucky winner just like Kelidisian.

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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.