‘Heart filled with joy’: Toronto retiree wins $5M in OLG Lotto 6/49
Posted December 13, 2023 3:24 pm.
Last Updated December 13, 2023 3:27 pm.
Sometimes dreams do come true.
A retired man from Toronto is $5 million richer after he won the OLG Lotto 6/49 classic jackpot on Nov. 29, 2023.
Rafael Mesa Valdes, who retired from the construction sector, told the OLG he has been a regular lottery player for the past 30 years and said his favourite game is Lotto 6/49.
“I went to the store and asked the clerk for a printout of the winning numbers. As I was matching the numbers, the last number was covered by my thumb. When I noticed it matched, I was shocked,” Valdes said.
“I went to the ticket checker to double-check and saw all the zeroes. I was so happy. I had hoped this day would come.”
The Toronto man said he went home a winner, ready to have a memorable dinner with his wife. Now, he and his family have big plans.
“She didn’t believe me at first. She thought I was joking,” Valdes admitted.
“I am excited to use this money to purchase a condo in downtown Toronto. When I moved here, I always wanted to live downtown and now I will. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude.”
Valdes’ winning Lotto 6/49 ticket was purchased at ABC Convenient on Bloor Street in Toronto.
The “Classic Draw” offers a fixed $5 million jackpot, while the “Gold Ball Draw” guarantees a $1 million prize, or the growing jackpot that starts at $10 million and can exceed $60 million.
