Canadian retiree wins millions, plans to buy first-ever home

Retirement just got a lot more exciting for one Canadian after winning a multimillion-dollar lottery prize.

Lottery player Pierre Draws is a Montreal resident who’s new to retired life, having just quit his job last year. One day, he decided to try his luck by buying a Lotto 6/49 ticket.

After the draw, he recalls scanning his ticket using the Loto-Québec app. When he saw the amount, at first, he thought he had won $5,000. But when he looked closer, he realized that there were “too many zeroes.”

To his shock, he had won the Lotto 6/49 Classic Jackpot in the July 4 draw — he just became $5 million richer.

Loto-Québec

While at Loto-Québec’s head office to claim his cheque, Draws said, “Five million doesn’t change you, except… It’s quite something!”

With his windfall, he’ll finally get to achieve his dream of homeownership — something he never thought would ever come true.

“I think I deserve a house, a more beautiful life for me and my cat,” he said

He said he was tingling with excitement when he accepted his cheque. He added, “I feel like I’m on cloud nine!”

Loto-Québec

The winning ticket was purchased at the Boni-Soir – Marché Bachir convenience store located at 7322 Avenue Baldwin in Anjou. The retailer will receive a one per cent commission of $50,000.

A pair of Quebec residents also won a life-changing prize after scoring the Lotto Max jackpot in the June 26 draw. Couple Joseph Gosselin-Rompré and Mylène Bourgeois were on their way home from a fishing trip when they discovered they won $40 million.

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.