For one lottery player, winning the lottery isn’t just about the excitement of a big win — it’s also about sharing her good fortune.
Cheryl Hyatt is a mother and grandmother who lives in Dresden, Ontario. A lottery player for nearly 20 years, she enjoys how long it takes to play her favourite game, the Instant Crossword.
One day, while playing her ticket, she noticed something peculiar.
“I was playing my ticket when I started to count the words I had matched,” she recalled. “I checked the prize legend on the back of the ticket and realized I had won $100,000.”
She immediately shared the news with her husband.
“I told my husband I thought I’d won, and he suggested heading to the store to have it validated right away,” said Hyatt.
But first things first.
Winner Cheryl Hyatt of Dresden, Ontario (OLG)
“I said, ‘Let’s have supper first,’” she said, chuckling.
After their meal, the couple headed straight to the store.
“My ticket was validated, and sure enough, I was right; I had won the top prize!” she recounted. “The clerk was so excited for me, which made the experience even more joyous.”
While most winners would likely treat themselves to a shopping spree, Hyatt said her windfall will allow her to do something else that makes her happy: sharing it with her loved ones.
“I plan to buy my husband and daughter new cars,” she said. “As long as they’re happy, I’m happy.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Sonny’s Variety on Lindsley Street West in Dresden.
All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, you can find resources here.