Photo/BCLC
A Port Alberni couple is already planning to escape this winter weather and head to Mexico for a holiday after winning $5-million in last Saturday’s Lotto 6/49 draw.
Harold Thomas and his wife Madelaine matched all six numbers to claim the jackpot.
They bought the winning ticket at the A1 Convenience Store on Redford Street in Port Alberni.
“It’s surreal,” said Harold. “When the clerk at the store checked the ticket, the machine froze and lit up $5,000,000.”
“It’s crazy! It’s still sinking in,” said Madelaine.
The first question Harold asked his wife when they found out they were the jackpot winners was if she wanted a new house. Madelaine quickly turned that prospect down. “No way! That’s where we raised our kids,” she said. “Plus we have the best view in the city.”
“The biggest thing about this is being able to help the kids and grandkids out and make their lives a little easier,” said Madelaine.
“Maybe one of our sons won’t have to go away to work anymore.”
Beyond helping the kids out, the couple says they plan to get new cars and update their home. A Volkswagen Tiguan for Madelaine, and a 1966 Jaguar XKE for Harold.
However, in the immediate future, they plan to head to Mexico for some much-needed sun.
Ben O'Hara
