Toronto Retiree Alex Parucha Wins $1 Million with Free Ticket in Lotto Max
In a story that’s sure to brighten your day, Alex Parucha, a 69-year-old retired Torontonian, just became a millionaire thanks to a free ticket! Parucha won a whopping $1 million Encore prize in the May 20 Lotto Max draw.
How it happened
Parucha, who’s been playing the lottery for nearly three decades, didn’t expect to hit the jackpot when he picked up his ticket. After winning a free play, he visited Dawes Dollar & Video on Dawes Road in East York, where a cashier suggested adding Encore to his ticket. “Sure, why not?” Parucha said. Little did he know, that simple “yes” would change his life.
The next day, Parucha scanned his ticket using the OLG app on his phone and discovered he had won big. “I couldn’t believe it,” he said. “I double-checked my ticket and counted the zeroes. When I realized it was a $1-million prize, I felt overwhelmed.”
A family celebration
Parucha quickly shared the news with his son, who was just as shocked. “We checked it on his phone to make sure, then I told my daughter,” Parucha said. “She said, ‘We’re millionaires now.’” The family is thrilled with the big win, and it’s safe to say they’re celebrating in style!
What’s next?
Parucha plans to buy property, share the winnings with his family, and add to his savings. “Being a winner is a very emotional experience,” he said. “It’s brought a lot of disbelief, happiness, and excitement. I feel so fortunate to have won this prize.”
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What would you do with $1 million? Let us know in the comments!
More…
- https://www.toronto.com/news/toronto-man-wins-1m-in-east-york/article_52fffa7e-120b-5f9c-8fad-f5a4991651ac.html
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/brantford-couple-lottery-win-retired-couple-wins-50000
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/quebec-duo-splits-70m-lotto-max-jackpot-in-july-2025
- https://www.overheretoronto.com/toronto-software-worker-bocheng-mei-wins-60m-lotto-prize-then-joins-work-call
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