Pictou County ironworkers cash in

Prize winners pick up cash with winning Lotto Max ticket

Four Pictou County ironworkers got an unexpected payday when they made a pit stop in Belledune, N.B., while on a recent job.

Jacob Larkham, Ryan Rockey, Shawn McPhee and Glenn MacDonald cashed in big with a $525,385.20 second-prize winning ticket following the Oct. 19 Lotto Max draw.

“We looked at that little paper that said we won $500,000 some and we just started hootin’ and hollering,” Rockey said. “My voice is still a little hoarse today.”

McPhee checked their ticket on Oct. 20, but the group had to wait until Oct. 22 to visit Atlantic Lottery head office in order to confirm the win.

“We kept a close eye on that ticket until then,” Larkham said. “We had it up in the cupboard, stuck between a stack of bowls to keep it safe.”

When asked what the group plans to do with their winnings, McPhee replied, “We have been planning that ever since the ticket said ‘Woohoo!’”

Each of the four winners plans to use a portion of their winnings toward paying off mortgages and vehicles. They also each plan to take a nice vacation or two with loved ones.

McPhee purchased the group’s Lotto Max ticket at Parkview Superette in Belledune, N.B. The retailer will receive a one per cent seller’s prize.

This group is the fifth major Lotto Max win for Atlantic Canada in just over a month.