Big win helps make up for big loss
Lumby woman wins $1 million months after family’s home went up in flames
Sarah Ross’s luck has turned. A few months ago, the Ross family home in Lumby burned down, turning the lives of herself, her husband and their two children upside down.
However, on Monday, Ross picked up a cheque for $1 million at the Kamloops office of the B.C. Lottery Corporation after winning the guaranteed prize in the Sept. 7 Lotto 6/49 draw.
“It still doesn’t seem real,” said Ross in a phone interview with The Daily Courier from the lottery office.
“My husband and I still plan to work. We love our jobs. But it will be nicer and easier not to have to worry about money. We’ll also travel as a family.”
Since the Ross home was burned, the family has received a lot of help from family, friends and the community.
They are living in rented accommodation while their home is rebuilt.
Ross bought her winning ticket at Pharmasave on 30th Avenue in Vernon, which is around the corner from where she works, the day before the Sept. 7 draw.
She checked the numbers the night of the draw and was shocked to see they all matched hers.
The first thing she did was call her husband, who was working in Fort McMurray’s oilpatch.
He was just as shocked and asked her to double-check the numbers.
“The first things I bought after winning Lotto 6/49 were stuffed animals for my kids,” she said.
“This is exciting because when the time comes we can help them with university.”