Kamloops, BC Rhonda Malesku says she’s going to build her dream home after winning $35 million playing Lotto Max Jackpot.
Malesku purchased the ticket at a Walmart on Hillside Drive while shopping for beach towels and did not anticipate that he would match all seven numbers along with a ticket purchased in Alberta to split the $70 million jackpot into $35 million each, according to a statement. of the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
Malesku says he was at home when he found out about his huge victory the morning after the draw.
“I let out a huge whoop and kept saying, ‘I won $35 million!’ I opened the back door and started yelling it outside to my husband Sam, and we both started shaking,” he said Thursday at a check-handing ceremony at the British Columbia Lottery Corporation headquarters in Kamloops.
Malesku, who has been a regular lottery player for the past 40 years, says she didn’t anticipate finally hitting the jackpot when she bought the winning ticket at a Walmart on Hillside Drive.
She says that she plans to build herself, her son and daughter their dream homes, she plans to give some money to other family members, she wants to buy a travel trailer and a truck and will be traveling a bit.
“I always dreamed of being able to design my dream home and also set up my family, so now I can do both,” Malesku said.
The Lotto Max winner says she’ll be using her new travel trailer and truck to explore the East Coast with loved ones.
Malesku’s prize is BC’s third-highest Lotto Max win this year, according to BCLC CEO Pat Davis.
Lotto Max is the largest lottery game in Canada, with a jackpot of up to $70 million. The biggest single Lotto Max prizewinner in BC is Christine Lauzon of Burnaby, who won $70 million in September 2021.
