A routine Saturday errand turned into a life-changing moment for Elizabeth Trafford, a retired Ontario woman, when she discovered she had won a $40 million Lotto Max jackpot.
The Fergus resident, who has a weekly ritual of walking her dog, filling her gas tank, buying a newspaper, and checking her lottery tickets, was stunned when her second ticket at the terminal displayed “Big Winner!”
“I spoke with an OLG representative who confirmed the win, and I started to hyperventilate,” Trafford said. “I realized this little $6 slip of paper was now worth $40 million.”
After the initial shock, Trafford called her son, who initially thought it was a prank. A few days later, she gathered a team of professionals to help her navigate her newfound fortune.
Now confirmed as the official winner, Trafford sees her massive win as an opportunity to make a difference.
“I see myself as a steward of this money. There’s so much good I can do with this windfall, and I want to give back in a meaningful way,” she said.
Among her priorities are purchasing a house for her son, giving back to meaningful causes, and ensuring the funds leave a legacy for her family.
“I’m comforted knowing my son will inherit this legacy,” Trafford added.
Trafford also intends to travel more extensively. Previously, she had plans to visit South Africa, but now she’s expanding her itinerary to include other African countries and exotic destinations.
“I think to myself, ‘I can actually do that now,’” she said.
Trafford purchased the winning ticket at Blinkhorn’s Corner Variety on St. David Street North in Fergus, Ontario.
The Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) confirmed the $40 million prize, which was won in the December 10 Lotto Max draw.