Canadian Couple Wins $1 Million and Plans to Give Back

A retired couple from Mill Bay, a small community on Vancouver Island, has won a substantial prize from a Scratch & Win lottery ticket. Kenneth and Michele Babich struck it rich with a $1 million payout from a $10 In The Money Multiplier game. This prize represents the largest amount available in that particular lottery game.

Michele Babich recounted the moment they discovered their win, stating, “We were at home and I scratched the ticket.” Initially, she believed they had won $50 after checking the ticket with the BCLC Lotto! App. Kenneth quickly realized the magnitude of their win when he saw the prize amount. “I thought it was $50, seeing the 50X,” he said, expressing his surprise at the actual figure.

The couple plans to use their newfound wealth for both enjoyment and philanthropy. “One reason we like to play and what we appreciate about the lottery is all the different ways the community benefits from the money generated from the lotteries,” Kenneth explained. Their intention to support local causes aligns with the lottery’s mission to contribute to community initiatives.

The Babichs had not yet informed their children of the win when they claimed the prize but planned to share the news soon afterward. Michele expressed how the money would enhance their lifestyle, stating, “It will help with our quality of life. It’s going to help us give back more to the causes we are passionate about.”

As part of their celebration, the couple had already booked a cruise, which they now view as a reward for their luck. For those in Mill Bay, the ticket was purchased at Thrifty Foods located on Mill Bay Road.

According to BCLC, Scratch & Win players in British Columbia have redeemed more than $109 million in prizes so far in 2025. The Babichs’ story is a testament to the excitement that lottery wins can bring, not just for the winners but for the community at large.