OLG Executive Director, Marketing, Deanne Rodrigue and winner Helena Vermeeren. Photo provided by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation. OLG Executive Director, Marketing, Deanne Rodrigue and winner Helena Vermeeren. Photo provided by the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation.
London

London Woman Wins $1-Million

A mother of seven, grandmother of 15, and great-grandmother of two is London's newest millionaire.

Helena Vermeeren was the winner of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation's "Swipe-Stakes" promotion. Her name was drawn on July 16.

Vermeeren qualified for the draw, along with other members of the OLG Slots and Casino's Winner's Circle. She was at the Western Fair Slots when she learned of her jackpot.

“I just went numb," says Vermeeren. "I won smaller amounts before but never anything like this. I don’t think I realized how much money it really was at the time.”

She is planning to share her winnings with her family.

“My son is legally blind and I would like to help him out. I also have four grandchildren who are in university. Finally, I would like to do some travelling with my daughter.”

According to a release from the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, Helena visits the Western Fair Slots once or twice ay month with her daughter.

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