Belleville resident plans to “give back” after winning $11 million
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Bernard Boucher of Belleville won the top prize in the LOTTO 6/49 draw back on April 30 after he purchased his ticket at New Way Convenience on Dundas Street in Belleville.
Boucher won a LOTTO 6/49 top prize worth $11,036,139.
Boucher said he occasionally plays the lottery and typically plays LOTTO 6/49 and LOTTO MAX because he’s drawn to the larger jackpots.
When he heard the winning jingle play on his phone, he said he thought nothing of it — a free play maybe — as he didn’t have his glasses on. “A few hours later I went back to look at it with my glasses on. When I saw the amount, I signed my ticket right away!” he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings.
Boucher, a father and grandfather, shared the good news with his children. “They thought I was joking. When they realized it was real, they were happy for me — and them!” he laughed.
Coming from a farming family, Boucher said this whole experience has been humbling. “I realize how lucky I am. This is a real blessing — I don’t know how to feel about it.”
First thing for Bernard is to gather some wise advisors, share with family and use this win as an opportunity to travel. “And I will find ways to give back,” he smiled.
LOTTO 6/49 players in Ontario have won more than $13.7 billion in prizes since 1982, including 1,419 jackpot wins and 415 Guaranteed $1 Million Prize draws. LOTTO 6/49 is $3 per play and draws take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
OLG is booking in-person prize claim appointments at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. They strongly encourage those with claims between $1,000 and $49,999.90 to submit them online or mail them in. Submitting claims online is fast and secure. Customers with prizes worth more than $50,000 are asked to call 1-800-387-0098 to discuss available prize claim options.
