After three decades of playing the lottery as a family, four siblings from Bruce County are celebrating their first big win.
James Mahon of Port Elgin, and Ronald Mahon, Joyce Smith, and Marie Jones of Southampton claimed the $98,226.40 secondary prize in the Lotto 6/49 draw on April 12. The two brothers and two sisters have purchased lottery tickets together for 30 years, playing Lotto 6/49 and Lotto Max weekly using the quick pick feature.
“I took our ticket to the store and scanned it using the ticket checker,” Ron said during the foursome's recent trip to the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up their winnings. “When I saw that it was a big winner, I had to double-check. I may have let out a little scream too."
Ron was then tasked with contacting each of his siblings to let them know about their five-figure windfall.
“I thought he was messing with me and had trouble believing him at first,” said James. “I still can’t fully process it.”
Marie added that she is overjoyed all the years playing finally paid off.
“We’re all so fortunate and blessed to have won this prize,” said Marie.
All but one of the retirees already has plans for the cash. Marie is going to buy a new washing machine and refresh her home with some new furniture, Joyce is getting a new mattress, Ron is going to deposit his in the bank, while James said he still needs time to decide how to use the money.
The winning ticket was purchased at the Rexall on Albert Street South in Southampton.