Andrew and Mary Ellen Van Zelst. (Photo courtesy of OLG)Andrew and Mary Ellen Van Zelst. (Photo courtesy of OLG)
Chatham

Kent Bridge Couple Wins $1-Million Lottery Prize

A couple from Kent Bridge is planning to celebrate a big lottery win by buying a new truck and a new recliner.

"We are going to sit down and figure out our next steps," said Andrew Van Zelst, who works as a production manager.

Andrew and his wife Mary Ellen won a Guaranteed $1-million Prize from the December 23, 2017 Lotto 6/49 draw.

A release from OLG says Andrew discovered his big win after checking his tickets during a stop at a gas station.

"I was very surprised when I saw $1-million on the screen – I thought the machine was broken!" said Andrew. "I asked the gentleman beside me to have a look when I rescanned my ticket. Once he saw the words '$1-million' flash on the screen he wanted to shake my hand!"

Andrew told OLG officials he was eager to share the news with his wife as well -- when he got home, he asked her if he could retire next week.

"I was in the middle of cooking dinner and I said 'Sure. You can retire.' thinking he was joking.'" said Mary Ellen. "When he went on to tell me that we had to go to Toronto because we won $1-million with LOTTO 6/49, I stopped stirring my noodles and started to cry."

In addition to purchasing a new truck and a new recliner, the couple plans to do some more travelling.

The winning ticket was purchased at Daisy Mart on Grand Ave. in Chatham.

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