When Heather Andrews first told her sister, Gwen Leeder, that they won $5 million from the October 21, 2023 Lotto 6/49 draw, the pair was in such a state of shock that the two of them couldn’t stop laughing.
Andrews — who lives in Sidney — had to wait several hours until Leeder learned of their win, as Leeder lives in Stittsville, Ontario and was already asleep when Andrews sent the initial text.
“I was at home watching TV and thought I should check my ticket,” recalled Andrews of the moment she realized she had won. “I looked at the ticket and checked [online] two or three times, and then sent the picture to Gwen and called her [in the morning] — we started laughing.”
The sisters were most excited to celebrate the news with each other — in fact, no one else knew about their win besides Leeder’s daughter. However, Leeder was even more excited to hand in her resignation letter to her employer.
Andrews and Leeder plan to explore Canada’s East Coast together. Otherwise, the two plan to help family and close friends.
“Overwhelming, surreal and fantastic!” said Leeder. “Our dream was to travel together.”
Andrews purchased the winning ticket at the Pharmasave on Seventh Street in Sidney.
The sisters claimed their $5-million jackpot on November 6, 2023, at BCLC’s Vancouver office.
So far in 2023, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $100 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.
Lotto 6/49 is a nationwide lottery game drawn on Wednesdays and Saturdays after 7:30 p.m. (PST). The Gold Ball draw is a guaranteed prize draw where players will win either the Guaranteed Prize of $1 million, or the growing Gold Ball Jackpot that starts at $10 million. The Classic Jackpot offers a prize that is always $5 million. Players can purchase tickets at any lottery retailer or at PlayNow.com. Players can now check their lottery tickets anytime, anywhere on iOS and Android devices.
BCLC offers socially responsible gambling entertainment while generating income to benefit all British Columbians. Remember, play for fun, not to make money. For more information, visit GameSense.com.
