Ontario Woman Wins $100,000 Lottery Thanks to Brother’s Gesture

A generous gesture from a brother has led to a significant lottery win for an Ontario woman. Hamedah Chan, a resident of Richmond Hill, matched six of seven Encore numbers in the May 16, 2023 Lotto Max draw, winning $100,000. Chan, who has been a dedicated player with the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) for over 15 years, typically plays once a week, opting for games like Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, and Ontario 49.

Chan’s winning ticket was not purchased by her, but rather gifted to her by her brother. He had bought two Lotto Max tickets and handed one to her. Nearly a month later, he inquired if she had checked her ticket, prompting her to validate it during a routine grocery run.

“I handed both tickets to the cashier and asked her to check them for me,” Chan recounted while visiting the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim her winnings. “She validated the first one and gave me $20. Then she scanned the second one and told me it was a big win! It took me a while to take it in. I was confused, shocked, and excited all at once, but I tried to keep myself calm.”

Upon returning home, Chan shared the life-changing news with her husband. “He was very happy and grateful,” she said with a smile. Later that day, she called her brother to reveal, “Guess what? I won!” His reaction was one of disbelief and surprise.

Chan plans to allocate her winnings towards her children’s education, pay off existing bills, and share a portion with family. Reflecting on her unexpected luck, she remarked, “You see people winning all the time, but when it happens to you, it feels surreal — like a dream. I’m incredibly grateful for this win.”

The winning ticket was purchased at a Circle K store located on Humber College Boulevard in Etobicoke. This fortunate event underscores the unpredictable nature of lottery games, where all forms of gambling involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Players are encouraged to gamble responsibly, and resources are available for those experiencing gambling-related issues.