Murray and Darlene Timmins from Didsbury, Atla., have won a life-changing $5 million jackpot in the June 26 Lotto 6/49 draw. The couple plans to use their winnings to travel and reunite with Murray’s mother.
“We’re going to Montreal to see family,” said Murray. “I haven’t seen my mom in 20 years.”
The win holds special meaning for the Timmins family, as they have been playing the same lottery numbers since the 1980s — numbers originally chosen by Darlene’s late father.
“I still can’t believe it,” Darlene said. “[When I saw the win] I just said, ‘Thanks, Dad.’”
Every morning, Darlene checks the tickets with her coffee while Murray is still sleeping. On the morning they won, Darlene couldn’t believe her eyes when their numbers matched. The couple has always been rich in love, but now they are also financially rich.
“I said, ‘I think we won! Look, look!’” said Darlene.
“I was expecting a free play or something,” added Murray. “I couldn’t believe it.”
Winning means more than money for the Timmins family. Beyond their trip across the country to Quebec, it allows the couple to look forward to their retirement together.
“My husband doesn’t need to work anymore,” said Darlene. “Now he can stay home and look after me!”
The Timmins bought their winning Lotto 6/49 ticket at Canco, located at 1620 20 Street in Didsbury. They won by matching all six numbers in the June 26 Lotto 6/49 Classic Draw — 2, 7, 10, 23, 25 and 29. This win is a reminder of the strong bonds of family and love, and the persistence of playing with those special numbers.
The Lotto 6/49 Classic Jackpot draw is offered every Wednesday and Saturday, and is made up of six numbers drawn from a range of 1 to 49. If a ticket sold for the draw matches all six numbers in exact order, then that ticket wins the Classic Jackpot $5 million prize.
Tools to stop gambling
If you’re looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.