A Sidney woman and her sister are sharing a huge lottery win.
Heather Andrews and her sister Gwen Leeder won $5 million from the Oct. 21, 2023 Lotto 6/49 draw. Andrews found out first, but had to wait to tell Leeder because she lives in Stittsville, Ont. and was already asleep.
㽶ƵֱI was at home watching TV and thought I should check my ticket,㽶Ƶֱ said Andrews, in a news release. 㽶ƵֱI looked at the ticket and checked (online) two or three times and then sent the picture to Gwen and called her (in the morning) 㽶Ƶֱ we started laughing.㽶Ƶֱ
The sisters were most excited to celebrate the news with each other 㽶Ƶֱ in fact, no one else knew about their win besides Leeder㽶Ƶֱs daughter.
Some lottery winners continue to work at their regular jobs, but not Leeder 㽶Ƶֱ she was happy to quit her job and enjoyed handing in her resignation letter to her employer.
The sisters now plan to explore Canada㽶Ƶֱs east coast together. Otherwise, the two plan to help family and close friends.
On how it feels to win?
㽶ƵֱOverwhelming, surreal and fantastic,㽶Ƶֱ said Leeder. 㽶ƵֱOur dream was to travel together.㽶Ƶֱ
Andrews purchased the winning ticket at the Pharmasave on Seventh Street in Sidney.
The sisters claimed their $5-million jackpot on Nov. 6 at BCLC㽶Ƶֱs Vancouver office.
So far in 2023, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $100 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.
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