Group of 12 Coworkers from Penetanguishene Win $21 Million Lotto Max Jackpot
TORONTO, Dec. 8, 2011 /CNW/ - Today, a group of 12 coworkers from a mental health care facility in Penetanguishene arrived at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto in a limousine to claim their prize of $21 million, the winning jackpot from the November 25, LOTTO MAX draw.
"We are always happy when a group of players wins the jackpot. Today, it means that 12 different families will benefit from this large payout - we wish all of the winners the very best as they celebrate this great win," said Greg McKenzie, OLG's Senior Vice President of Lottery, as he presented the group of winners with the $21 million cheque.
Group leader Christopher Lahaie has diligently been collecting the lottery pool money and buying lottery tickets for the past year and half in hopes they would win a big jackpot. Before their big win, the group had won smaller prizes of $10 and free tickets.
Christopher was also the first to discover they were big winners. Group member Donna Valentine reminded him that it was time to check their tickets and buy tickets for the next draw. She even dropped him off at a convenience store on their way home from work.
"When I validated the ticket and found out the amount of our win, my first thought was of our group. I was thinking how much the money would help out each member," said Christopher. "Then I laughed to myself that we all went to work for a whole week without knowing!"
As Christopher shared the news with each member, their initial reactions were of shock and disbelief. "Christopher is known as the joker of the group so we all thought he was playing a trick on us," said Donna. "It took some time to sink in but we're all elated!"
"Our coworkers and our community were so happy for us when they heard the news. The well wishes have been incredible," said Laurie Soper.
The group members say this money came at the perfect time. While some members of the group plan to take an early retirement, travel plans, new vehicles and an extra special holiday season are on the list for other members. Each winner's share of the jackpot totals $1.75 million.
"Our house has been on the market for a couple months as we were struggling financially. We're so grateful that now we will be able to stay in our home," said Tara Leonard.
The group members range in age from 33 to 63.
The winning ticket was purchased at Mac's Convenience on Main Street in Penetanguishene.
The group members are as follows:
Christopher Lahaie, Penetanguishene
Annette Hahn, Penetanguishene
Cathy Rose Leblanc, Midland
Darlene Finch, Tiny Township
Donna Valentine, Midland
Georgina Webb, Perkinsfield
Janine Dupuis, Penetanguishene
Laurie Soper, Penetanguishene
Lisa Marshall, Midland
Ronald Phillips, Midland
Sharon Callow, Elmvale
Tara Leonard, Penetanguishine
OLG is a provincial agency responsible for province-wide lottery games and gaming facilities. Since 1975, OLG lotteries, Casinos, Slots, and Resort Casinos have generated more than $34 billion for the benefit of the Province of Ontario. Gaming proceeds support Ontario's hospitals, amateur sport, recreational and cultural activities, communities, provincial priority programs such as health care and education, and local and provincial charities and non-profit organizations through the Ontario Trillium Foundation.
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Image with caption: "OLG's Senior Vice President of Lottery Greg McKenzie, centre, presents a group of 12 coworkers from Penetanguishene with a cheque for $21 million at the OLG Prize Centre Thursday. The group won the November 25, 2011 LOTTO MAX jackpot. (CNW Group/OLG Winners)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20111209_C5336_PHOTO_EN_8108.jpg
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