WINNIPEG — A 24-year-old woman who works in a group home with disabled adults is Winnipeg’s newest instant millionaire.
Alicia Jongstra received her big cheque from Western Canada Lottery Corp. officials Tuesday after striking it rich as the sole winner of a $1-million Maxmillions prize in the June 18 draw.
She was shocked on Monday when she stopped for gas and checked for quickpick ticket.
“When the lady first checked my ticket, I thought, ‘woo hoo, I won 10 bucks!”’ she said with a laugh. “But the lady who could see the screen told me it was a million.”
Jongstra said that after running screaming around the store she called her bosses to let them know she couldn’t come in.
“They said to me, ‘I guess we won’t be seeing you anytime soon,’ ” said Jongstra. “But I told them I would be in the next day.” Jongstra has no plans to quit work, but said she is looking forward to a trip with friends, laser eye surgery, and buying a home.