B.C. lotto player plans retirement of her dreams after winning millions in her last week on the job
A Metro Vancouver woman was just a week away from retirement when she found out she'd become $2 million richer.
Lea Olsen, of Port Coquitlam, managed to match all six numbers in a BC/49 draw last month, qualifying her for the top prize.
In a news release issued by the B.C. Lottery Corporation, Olsen said she can't remember what went through her mind when she found out she'd won.
"I was so excited and just started screaming," she told BCLC. She wasn't home alone, and the screaming was briefly cause for alarm: "My husband thought there was something wrong."
Another family member also misunderstood, at first.
Olsen said she called her daughter to share the news, but wasn't believed.
"I texted her a photo," Olsen said. "She came over right away."
Even Olsen herself felt the win was surreal, saying, "I can't believe this is happening!"
The recent retiree said she plays the lottery with her own numbers – a combination of family birthdates. She plans to treat some of those family members with her winnings.
Additionally, she's planning the retirement of her dreams. Travel is high on her list of priorities, with Europe being the first destination on her bucket list, she told BCLC.
"Now I can be a little more extravagant and travel first class."
According to BCLC, residents of the province have won more than $11 million in BC/49 prizes so far this year. But the likelihood ending up like Olsen isn't high.
The odds of matching all six numbers are one in 13,983,816.
Based on U.S. and Canadian estimates, it's more likely to be struck by lightning.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Cyclist issued fine for striking four-year-old girl crossing the street
A cyclist turned herself in and received a fine after striking a four-year-old girl who was crossing the street to catch a school bus.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
opinion How to use your credit card as a powerful wealth-building tool
Irresponsibly using a credit card can land you in financial trouble, but personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says when used properly, it can be a powerful wealth-building tool that can help grow your credit profile and create new opportunities.
Woman in her 60s in life-threatening condition after Bridle Path bus shelter collision
Police say a woman in her 60s is in life-threatening condition after being struck by a vehicle at a bus shelter in Toronto's Bridle Path neighbourhood on Friday.
Dutch contestant kicked out of Eurovision hours before tension-plagued song contest final
The Netherlands' contestant in the Eurovision Song Contest was dramatically expelled from competition hours before Saturday's final of the pan-continental pop competition, which has been rattled by protests over the participation of Israel.
Joe Biden wants to remind 2024 voters of a record and an agenda. Often it's Donald Trump's
Biden wants the 2024 election to be a referendum on Trump's record and plans, but he also wants voters to look favourably on his own policies and actions
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
IN PHOTOS Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Mildmay, Collingwood and St. Thomas, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.