Retiree from Fergus, Ont. wins $40M in Lotto Max jackpot
Posted Jan 23, 2025 12:27:32 PM.
Exploring the world and providing a legacy for her son are just a few of the things newly-minted millionaire Elizabeth Trafford wants to do after winning the OLG Lotto Max jackpot.
Trafford, a retiree from Fergus, Ont., won the $40 million jackpot from a ticket she purchased on Dec. 10, 2024.
Buying a lottery ticket was a part of her Saturday routine until one day, the lottery terminal said, “Big Winner!”
“I spoke with an OLG representative who called the store. When they told me exactly how much I’d won, I started to hyperventilate,” shared Trafford.
She immediately called her son to share what happened, who instantly jumped in his car to be with her and celebrate the life-changing news.
Trafford said her first priority is assembling the right professionals to help navigate her new life as a millionaire, hoping to give back meaningfully.
“I see myself as a steward of this money. There’s so much good I can do with this windfall … In the coming months, I’ll work with the team I’ve gathered to identify and prioritize the causes and interests that are near and dear to me.”
She also wants to make sure her son is taken care of.
“You always want to give something wonderful to your child. He will get a nice house, but I’m also comforted by the fact that he will inherit this legacy.”
Trafford also hopes to explore the world by enhancing an already-booked trip to South Africa.
“It’s been an extraordinarily moving experience for me [sharing the news with people.] They said, ‘If anyone deserves this, it’s you’. This is quite something, and it’s very meaningful to me,” Trafford shared.
The winning ticket was from Blinkhorn’s Corner Variety on St. David Street North in Fergus.
