SUDBURY -- Emily Giroux of Powassan won a $1 million MAXMILLIONS prize in the April 10 LOTTO MAX draw, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corp. announced Tuesday.
She also won $20 on another selection, bringing her total winnings to $1,000,020.
"I recently decided to change up the numbers I have played for decades,” Giroux said in a news release. “And not long after, I won!”
The 68-year-old retiree is regular lottery player, the OLG said in the release.
"It feels surreal," said the mother of two, grandmother of five and great-grandmother of one. "It’s like I’m in a dream - never in a million years did I think I would win!”
The winning ticket was purchased at Powassan Kwik Way on Main Street in Powassan. Her husband checked her ticket for her while at the store.
"He sat me down to tell me about the win," she said. "At first, I thought he bought me something. But instead, he handed me my ticket and told me I won $1 million!"
Giroux's first purchase will be a new SUV.
"We want to be careful with the money and make it last," she said.
The OLG Prize Centre in Toronto has resumed in-person prize claims for winning-ticket holders of $50,000 or more by-appointment only.
To best protect customers and staff, OLG has put in place appropriate health and safety protocols in accordance with guidelines from public health officials, which include physical distancing measures, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the pre-screening of visitors before granting entry.
Currently, OLG is reaching out to major prize winners ($50,000 or more) who have been unable to claim their prizes due to COVID-19 to schedule appointments for in-person prize claims.
Future announcements will be made as to when OLG will open appointments to others wishing to claim their prize in-person at the Prize Centre.
