Canada: Why Ontario woman waited one year to claim $5m lottery prize

Connie Christie from Beachville, Ontario, is now a millionaire — but she almost wasn’t. She bought a Lotto 6/49 ticket for the May 4, 2024 draw but never checked it.

She only realized it might be hers nearly a year later, after hearing the OLG was searching for the winner of an unclaimed $5 million prize sold in Woodstock.

Connie had a gut feeling. She scanned her ticket using the OLG app and saw the “Big Winner” message.

She calmly confirmed the win, waited a moment, then double-checked it. It was real.

The next day, she showed her family the numbers on her laptop. Her kids guessed it immediately. She confirmed it — they were now $5 million richer.

Christie, who works in logistics, says the win is life-changing.

She and her husband plan to retire and enjoy more time together.

They’re already planning a scenic road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway.

She claimed the prize just days before the deadline. Lotto 6/49 winners have one year to come forward.

Had she waited any longer, the money would have gone unclaimed.

Now, instead of wondering “what if,” she’s living her dream.

(CP24)

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