NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO LOTTERY AND GAMING CORPORATION
*************************
TORONTO – Donald Parode of Fort Erie can realize his dreams after winning a $1 million MAXMILLIONS prize in the February 21, 2020 LOTTO MAX draw.
The 62-year-old regular lottery player checked his tickets at the local variety store. “I thought that the $1 million message I saw on the self-scanner screen was a promotion. I didn’t realize my win until I handed my ticket to the retailer and the lottery terminal froze. I was stunned, Donald laughed, while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his cheque.
Donald says the experience of winning the lottery has been surreal. “You can’t image your reaction unless you live it yourself.”
The father of one plans to invest, undertake some home renovations and travel when the time is right. ‘I’m a beach guy. I want to visit all the places in The Beach Boys song ‘Kokomo!’”
The OLG Prize Centre in Toronto has resumed in-person prize claims for winning-ticket holders of $50,000 or more by-appointment only. To best protect customers and staff, OLG has put in place appropriate health and safety protocols in accordance with guidelines from public health officials, which include physical distancing measures, the mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the pre-screening of visitors before granting entry. Currently, OLG is reaching out to major prize winners ($50,000+) who have been unable to claim their prizes due to COVID-19 to schedule appointments for in-person prize claims. Future announcements will be made as to when OLG will open appointments to others wishing to claim their prize in-person at the Prize Centre.
LOTTO MAX players in Ontario have won over $5.5 billion since 2009, including 75 jackpot wins and 603 MAXMILLIONS prizes, right across the province. LOTTO MAX is $5 per play and draws take place on Tuesdays and Fridays.
The winning ticket was purchased at 7-Eleven on Drummond Road in Niagara Falls.
*************************
