Three recent Canadian lottery winners are experiencing life-changing moments after scoring significant jackpots. Elizabeth Trafford, Paul Harrison, and Ricardo Wilson-Duguay have all shared their incredible stories of winning, reflecting not only their personal joy but also their aspirations to make meaningful contributions to their communities.
Elizabeth Trafford is still reeling from her astonishing $40 million Lotto Max win from the December 10, 2024 draw. The Fergus, Ontario native described the moment she logged onto her banking app and saw the unimaginable amount: "$40 million, 107 dollars, and 93 cents! It’s gone up quite a bit. It’s in there now, and it’s quite something." Celebrated at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto, Trafford expressed her commitment to being a steward of her newfound wealth, hoping to make significant impacts rather than indulging solely in personal luxuries.
"I see myself as a steward of this money. There’s so much good I can do with this windfall, and I want to give back in a meaningful way," she shared. Trafford is already laying the groundwork to collaborate with her team to focus on causes she holds dear, showcasing her deep appreciation for her loved ones and community who are thrilled for her. "If anyone deserves this, it’s you," was the overwhelming sentiment she received from friends and family.
But it's not only about philanthropy for Trafford. The retiree has long dreamed of travel and looks forward to realizing those ambitions. "I’ve always wanted to travel, and now I can actually do it!" she expressed. Originally planning to visit South Africa, she now has the opportunity to explore various other destinations across the continent.
Paul Harrison, another lucky winner, received unexpected holiday cheer when he won $316,029.50 from the Lotto 6/49 on Christmas Day. The Brantford resident couldn’t believe his eyes when he checked his ticket: "I checked my ticket following the Christmas Day draw and couldn’t believe my eyes," he said. Matching five out of six winning numbers and the lottery's bonus number, Harrison described the celebration he shared with his wife and daughter as heartwarming.
"It was amazing! I shared the news with my wife and daughter, and they were both so happy for me," said Harrison, who plans to use his prize to alleviate some financial burdens, including paying off bills and buying a new car. His winning ticket was purchased at Metro on St. Paul Avenue, once again demonstrating the thrill of lottery luck.
Meanwhile, Ricardo Wilson-Duguay, 29, is also celebrating after winning $100,000 from the Encore portion of the Lotto 6/49 on January 15. An occasional lottery player, Wilson-Duguay experienced disbelief as he checked his ticket at home. "I thought to myself, ‘Wow! That’s a big number!" he recounted. "When I saw the comma, I knew it was a big win. I was flabbergasted!" His winning ticket was purchased at Loblaws on Robertson Road.
Wilson-Duguay intends to share his winnings with family and friends, as well as offering donations to those needing support within his community. "I never expected anything like this; it feels great to be able to help others," he smiled, embodying the spirit of generosity.
For these three lucky winners, the thrill of the lottery is not just about personal gain but also about the potential for shared happiness and support within their communities. The Lotto Max and Lotto 6/49 games allow Canadians to dream big, showcasing the impact of luck when mixed with responsible play.
Since 2009, Ontario players have collectively won over $8.9 billion, leading to numerous life-altering moments for ticket holders like Trafford, Harrison, and Wilson-Duguay. With draws taking place every Tuesday and Friday, the excitement of potentially changing lives continues unabated.
For those considering entering the thrilling world of lottery play, always gamble responsibly and seek assistance with any gambling-related issues, ensuring the excitement is balanced with caution.