$1.5 million combined won by 2 B.C. residents in same Lotto Max draw

A Kelowna resident is starting the new year as a millionaire.

Two B.C. residents had extra reasons to celebrate the new year after taking home $1.5 million combined in the same Lotto Max draw over the holidays.

There were 44 Maxmillions prizes worth $1 million each up for grabs in the Dec. 23 draw, and 16 were won across the country—including two in B.C.

The lucky local winners were publicly identified by lottery officials Thursday as Edward M. of Kelowna and Cornelio G. of Whistler.

Edward won a full $1-million prize to himself, while Cornelio split his with a Quebec resident who had the same numbers, according to the B.C. Lottery Corporation.

Edward told the BCLC he first shared the news with his kids, one of whom cried after learning about the family’s good fortune.

“This win just means more time with my kids and being able to financially be there for them if they need it,” he said in a BCLC news release. “Retiring is also something I will be able to do now.”

Cornelio told the BCLC his “hands were shaking” when he realized he was suddenly $500,00 richer, and gave his son a hug.

His plans for his winnings include paying off his mortgage and buying a home in the Philippines.

The BCLC said Edward’s winning ticket was purchased at the Walmart on Banks Road in Kelowna, while Cornelio’s was purchased at the Otter Co-Op on Lake Placid Road in Whistler.

The odds of winning a Maximillions prize—which requires matching all seven numbers in a draw without using the bonus—are approximately one in 33.3 million, according to lottery officials.

Those are the same infinitesimal odds as winning the main Lotto Max jackpot, which went unclaimed in the Dec. 23 draw.