It’s everyone’s dream come true: winning it big at the lottery. For most, the thought of striking gold with those matching numbers is almost unimaginable.
But, for one lucky Metro Vancouverite, it’s become a reality.
A LAST MINUTE INGREDIENT
Surrey’s Justin Simporios, 35, ran out to get some buns and cheese as he was making dinner for his family. He headed to Walmart in Surrey Central so his burgers could be completed, but he also bought a $12 Quick Pick Lotto Max ticket.
Later that night, he checked his ticket by flashlight. He had heard earlier that day that someone in Surrey had the winning ticket.
His daughter was sick and sleeping, and his wife was beside him. In the dark, he saw the numbers begin to match, and by the fifth matching number, he had a feeling that his family was going to become millionaires.
When all numbers matched, he screamed and shouted and cried aloud. He turned the lights on and scanned the ticket– it was a win. He could hardly believe it.
COMPLETELY LIFE-CHANGING
On May 9, Simporios won $80 million. This makes him the winner of the largest lottery jackpot in B.C., as well as Canada’s largest jackpot win by one person.
The money has allowed Simporios to quit his job so he may spend more time with his daughter. Additionally, he plans to retire his mother, help his sister pay off her medical school debt, and set the rest of his family up for the future.
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At a news conference, he said, “I’m an immigrant. I came from a really poor country. This money is a lot.” He continued, noting that striking a balance between spending time with his daughter and putting food on the table was difficult.
“I’ve been struggling. I’m a father, I work full-time. I want to go home, I want to spend time with them, but as a father, you want to balance it out, right?” he said.
Simporios has further plans to give back to his community. He has some charities in mind, but he and his family are going to get a financial advisor before deciding.
The first thing Simporios will buy, though?
“It’s always a dream home.”
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