Shelly Desbien of Windsor holding her cheque for $500,000. Photo via OLG Communications Shelly Desbien of Windsor holding her cheque for $500,000. Photo via OLG Communications
Windsor

Retired Windsorite wins $500K jackpot

A retired Windsor woman lucked out big time after she won the jackpot on her favourite scratch ticket.

Shelly Desbien has been playing the lottery since she was just 18-years-old. Her years of practice seemed to pay off after she won $500,000 on a Big Spin ticket earlier this month.

When Desbien handed her scratched off card to the store clerk, she was in disbelief when she saw the screen land on "Big Spin" which meant she would be going to the Prize Centre in Toronto to find out the actual amount she could win.

“I had butterflies in my stomach when I arrived at the Prize Centre to spin the wheel," said Desbien. I loved seeing the wheel in person. I was genuinely happy to win $100,000 – I never expected to win the top prize. I thought it couldn’t be real when it landed on $500,000."

Desbien decided to bring her brother with her to spin the wheel. Her sibling was thrilled to see his sister win the largest prize possible.

"He jumped up and gave me a big hug," Desbien said of the experience. "We were both crying happy tears. I was so grateful to win this prize and have my brother with me."

When asked about what she plans to do with half a million, Desbien said she's not sure yet, aside from purchasing her dream vehicle, a Jeep.

"I am thrilled to be able to pay cash for [the jeep]! "I don’t have any other plans at this time, but I’ll have fun figuring it out."

Desbien purchased her ticket at a Mobil gas station on Dougall Avenue in Windsor.

Read More Local Stories