A group of 11 coworkers is splitting a $2 million windfall after winning big on a WESTERN MAX subscription they’ve had for the last eight years.
The group’s ticket matched all seven numbers for the Sept. 4 draw – 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 35 and 45 – to net them the game’s top prize.
Levi Hodgson of Grandora, Sask., claimed the prize on behalf of the group’s members, who live throughout Saskatchewan and Alberta – Aaron Dugas, Bruce McIntosh, Craig Roberts, Darrell Aldous, Dustin Olafson, Jeff Blohm, Ken Huble, Kyle Singer, Shawn Taylor and Tim Scott.
Hodgson says he found out about the win when another group member called him after checking the winning numbers and discovering they matched their ticket.
“I couldn’t believe it,” laughed Hodgson when claiming the prize. “I was asking myself ‘Is this happening? Is this real?’ ”
Now that he and the rest of the group have claimed their prize, Hodgson said he’s relieved by the “financial stability” it will give his family. Hodgson said he plans to use his share of the winnings to pay off some debt, put money on his family’s mortgage and put some away in the bank as a nest egg.
Sask Lotteries is the main fundraiser for more than 12,000 sport, culture and recreation groups in communities across Saskatchewan. Learn about games, jackpots, winning numbers, and more, at sasklotteries.ca.