Michael Strauch is viewing his future a little differently after securing a major windfall from the Lotto Max draw on April 26.
The Salmon Arm resident, who purchased and verified his ticket at Matchbox Smoke and Vape Shop, matched all four Extra numbers to win a $500,000 prize.
He says he was taken aback when the retailer told him his ticket was a major winner.
“The retailer said, ‘You are a winner! You just won $500,000.’ I was freaking out and said, ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, this is a dream,” Strauch recalled.
“A few customers in the store congratulated me and we were happy together in that moment. It was really beautiful.”
Celebrating with a few strangers was a joyous moment, but Strauch was most excited to get home and tell his partner.
“We cried together,” he said. “She felt so much joy for me and for our future.”
Strauch said he’s looking forward to the ease that the money will provide for his future retirement, and he wants to use a chunk of it to help him purchase a home.
“This win gives me the ability to slow down if I want to. Every day is a celebration now,” he explained.
“We can relax and buy a home and that brings an overwhelming amount of joy and gratitude into our lives.”
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