Brampton couple, who came from Jamaica 'with nothing' decades ago, win $70M lottery prize
· Toronto Sun
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The daughter of a Brampton couple who just cleaned up with a huge lottery win may be psychic.
Visit freshyourfeel.org for more information.
Before Audrey and Wills W. found out they had won the massive Lotto Max jackpot of $70 million from the May 8 draw, their daughter’s spidey senses said her parents were getting the big windfall.
She’d heard reports that the big ticket had been sold in Brampton a few hours before they made their big discovery.
“When we finally told her the news of the win, she smiled and said, ‘I knew it!’” Audrey told Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG).
The couple, who came to Canada from Jamaica several decades ago for a better life, got the ticket after Wills gifted Audrey a Lotto Max quick pick for Mother’s Day.
Audrey first discovered their big win when she checked the numbers using the OLG app.
“I saw the winning amount on the screen, turned to Wills, and said, ‘Look at this – is this $70?’” Audrey said. “He glanced at it and said, ‘No – look again because there are so many more zeros!’ When I realized it was $70 million, I was shocked. I had to double-check to make sure it was real. That’s when I started jumping on the bed in excitement and then fell to my knees overcome with joy!”
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That’s when the nervous anticipation kicked in for Wills.
“I could feel it pulsing through my body,” he said. “I may look calm and cool on the outside, but I’m thrilled on the inside!”
The couple say they’re being thoughtful about their newfound fortune with plenty of gratitude.
“I’m thinking about our future and our next steps, but it’s hard to make plans when this all feels like a dream! We’ll absolutely make the most of this win,” Audrey said.
“We don’t have any big plans yet, but we’ll take things slowly and work with our trusted advisers to ensure we’re making smart, responsible decisions. We came to Canada with nothing. We worked hard, learned to save, and never lived beyond our means. It will take a while to get used to this!”
Winter home in Jamaica, Brampton kitchen reno
A few early plans for the money include Audrey building their dream home in Jamaica to spend winters before returning to Canada for the summer months.
The couple also plans to renovate the kitchen in their Brampton home where Audrey loves to whip up home-cooked meals for family and friends.
Wills says he loves vintage vehicles and hopes this windfall will allow him to buy and possibly even restore some classic cars.
Travel is also high on the list with their sights set on taking a few cruises and enjoying time on the Caribbean Sea.
“I’m a beach lover,” Audrey said. “I like the sunshine, the sand, and the drinks with the little umbrellas in them!”
Added Wills: “I’m with Audrey. I love to be by the sea. As long as I have my wife, a nice home, and the sun is shining, everything is good.”
Windfall will be shared with family and friends
Audrey said not only will they benefit but their loved ones will too.
“Our family and friends will benefit from this win,” she said. “We want to share and lift others up. Telling our friends and family is going to be a lot of fun.”
The couple ultimately says they’re excited about the freedom this win will provide.
“Most importantly, we can live our lives on our terms,” Audrey said.
“I’m ready for this next phase of life,” Wills added. “I’ve been working towards my retirement, and now, it’s going to be next level!”
The $70 million winning Lotto Max ticket was bought at the Canco One Stop Gas Station on Steeles Ave. in Brampton, OLG said.