Three generations of Canadian family win life-changing lottery prize
Some Canadians have won the lottery as a group with coworkers and friends, but one recent group win involves a family of three generations.
Playing the lottery has been such a long-running tradition for one family in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Quebec, that Julien Ross, the family’s “lottery captain,” knew their numbers by heart. The family of eight has been playing the same numbers each time they purchase a Lotto 6/49 ticket, and it turned out to be a smart move.
Ross had purchased a Lotto 6/49 ticket at a convenience store and was checking the results online when he realized their numbers matched the Classic Draw jackpot winning numbers in the Jan. 31 draw. It turns out that another winning ticket in Lillooet, B.C., matched the same numbers — Ross’s group had just won $2.5 million.
He recalled heading to his sister Monique Ross’s house, stating, “Look, Monique! We won $2.5 million!”
Irish Mae Silvestre/Daily Hive
He then shared the news with the rest of the group, and on Feb. 11, headed to the Salon de jeux de Quebec to pick up their prize. Split among eight people, they’ll each receive $312,500.
In addition to Julien and Monique Ross, the eight winners include Michel Beaulieu, Lina Bélanger, Sylvie Bélanger, Pierre-Luc Bélanger Ross, Stéphanie Bouchard-Gagné, and Gilberte Larue.
When asked what they plan to do with their share, Ross said he promptly quit his job, while his brother-in-law, Michel Beaulieu, said he plans to work fewer hours. Ross’s son, Pierre-Luc Bélanger Ross, plans to buy his first house with his spouse, Stéphanie Bouchard-Gagné. Meanwhile, Lina Bélanger, Beaulieu’s spouse, is organizing a family trip to Scotland so they can follow in the footsteps of Ross’s ancestors.
The winning ticket was purchased at Tabagie Rivard, located at 33 Avenue Doucet in Mont-Joli. The retailer will receive a one per cent commission of $25,000.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.