Man wins $25.9m, wife getting a new kitchen
What do you do when a $25.9 million windfall falls into your lap?
You take a deep breath, keep a tight handle on it — and build your wife a new kitchen.
That’s the advice of 81-year-old Burnaby resident Marcello Battiston, who was presented Tuesday with a cheque for nearly $26 million after he won the Lotto Max jackpot in the March 10 draw — but didn’t come forward until three days ago.
And why did it take him so long to claim his prize?
“I had to make plans with my family,” said Battiston, who has two children and five grandchildren. “And I’ll be staying in the same house.”
Battiston, who retired six years ago after working as a tradesman, including 26 years with B.C. Hydro, said he was shocked after finding out he’d won the jackpot, His ticket was purchased at International News in Burnaby’s Brentwood Mall.
“I asked the clerk who checked my ticket, ‘Did I win $5?’ The clerk said, ‘No, you won the whole jackpot.’ It was amazing. My wife didn’t believe it. But I’ve always been lucky. I have more than enough money to live comfortably and help the family.”
Battiston, who noted that he doesn’t buy Lotto tickets every week, said he also plans to take his wife on a trip to Hawaii.
“She wants a new kitchen. And I want a bigger kitchen.”
He also plans to visit Italy, his original home before immigrating to Canada some 61 years ago.
Asked what he’d do with the bulk of his newfound wealth, Battiston replied: “I’ll put it in a safe place.”