First Canadian Lottery Winner of 2013 Named
A 36 year old single mom from Port Coquitlam, BC, has become Canada's first multi millionaire lotto winner of 2013.
Jessica Williams matched six out of six numbers on the year's first Lotto 6/49 draw to win the life-changing sum of $3,463,163.90.
Williams recalled how she decided to treat herself to a lottery ticket when she went out shopping on New Year's Day, never considering that it would result in such a lucrative start to 2013.
"Like everybody else, I've always hoped and prayed that I would win big one day," she said.
On January 3rd, after filling her car up at the gas station, Williams decided to check her lottery ticket at the station's self serve ticket checker.
"I put the ticket in and I was waiting for it to say not a winner," she recalled.
"All these numbers came up and I just grabbed the ticket and ran to my car!"
Lotto 6/49 Winner Felt "Numb"
The first Canadian lottery jackpot winner of 2013 said that immediately after leaving the gas station simply sat in her car and cried.
"I don't even remember yesterday," she said. "I'm still numb."
The country's first Lotto 6/49 first prize winner of the year made a trip to the BC Lottery Corporation offices in Vancouver last Friday, where she was handed her multi million dollar check.
Accompanied by the men in her life - her father, brother and son - Wiliams said: "It's so crazy. I can't feel my legs. I don't know what's going on right now."
The winner was asked what she planned to do with her windfall and she said that she had no definite plans as yet. Williams said that she didn't yet know if she was going to quit her job as an accounts manager for a nutrition company. However, she did say that she was going to improve her life, as well as the lives of her family.
"All I've ever wanted to do is own my own place and have my very own car," she said. "I can't wait to go shopping." A condo, a car (or two) and travel will likely be on the lucky winner's wish list.
$7 Million Lotto 6/49 Jackpot
The nationwide Lotto 6/49 lottery costs $2 per selection, with draws held every Wednesday and Saturday. The next draw will take place on Wednesday, January 9th, where a cool $7 million (estimated) is up for grabs.
Jackpots on the Lotto 6/49 lottery begin at around $3 million and they continue to grow until they are won. By saying 'yes' to the $1 Extra, players have another chance to win $500,000.
Tickets for tonight's draw, as well as for Saturday's draw, are available until 6pm, and are sold everywhere where lottery products are available, including retailers, bars, pubs and online.
