Smithville couple claims $ 23M jackpot
A Smithville husband and wife are a whopping $ 23 million richer for playing Lotto 6/ 49.
Bob and Sandra Donald son cashed in their winning ticket Wednesday, worth $ 23,324,912.20.
Bob, a retired manager from the Hamilton Dofasco plant, told Ontario Lottery and Gaming officials he was in China at the time he asked his wife to buy a lottery ticket and pick up after their dog.
Considering the lucky ticket Sandra purchased, Bob quipped: “I guess I can forgive her for not cleaning up after the dog.”
Sandra, a retired personal support worker, said her husband of 36 years usually buys their lottery tickets. Although he usually chooses his own numbers, Sandra said she instead opted for a Quick Pick for the Jan. 27 draw, buying it at the Rexall pharmacy on Griffin Street in Smithville.
“The day after the draw I heard on the news that the winning ticket was purchased in the Hamilton area so I checked my ticket against the numbers posted online — they all matched. I called my daughter immediately and asked her to come over right away,” she told OLG staff while claiming their winnings in Toronto.
“After validating my ticket at the store, I knew it was real. I was freaking out, but luckily I had my sister, daughter and son close by to support me.”
She kept the good news a secret from Bob for almost a week, waiting for his return from China. He said Sandra told him: “‘ I have good news and bad news. Good news: you can get a new car sooner than you think. Bad news: we have to go see our lawyer right away.’
“Then she handed me the winning ticket — I was speechless. We’ll have a nice memory of this moment as our kids were recording us the whole time,” he said.
The couple plans to share the winnings with their two children and two grandchildren, as well as another on the way.
“It’ll be wonderful to be able to travel more and longer. We’ll also buy that new car for Bob, install a pool and build a walk- in closet — I already went on a shopping spree while Bob was still in China,” Sandra said.
Bob said he feels “grateful and happy knowing we can help our family.”
“And I think this is what people should do when they are so fortunate — help each other. We plan to pay it forward.”
Attempts to interview the lucky couple in person were unsuccessful.