Two couples Far Richer after Winning the Lottery in BC

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Winning the lottery – it’s something we all dream of, but never genuinely expect to happen. Well, most of us don’t. The Hammonds, of Mackenzie, BC, danced and sang with every Lotto 6/49 ticket they purchased, and now they’re dancing all the way to the bank.

Roscoe Hammond and his wife were confident that, one day, their ship would come in. Their docks were teaming with ships on March 11, 2017 – half a million of them, to be exact – following Roscoe’s decision to play the ‘Extra‘ on that night’s ticket.

Hammond’s $500k Happy Dance

“I usually do a happy dance and she sings for me,” Hammond laughed as he and his wife participated in the obligatory interview with staff members at the BC Lottery prize claim centre. “We haven’t stopped since I won. It’s been non-stop hugging and tears of joy!”

Although Mr. Hammond and his wife believed in their heart of hearts that this day would eventually come, he had to admit that it winning the lottery to the tune of $500,000 feels even better than he’d anticipated.

“It’s amazing to know you can do a few extra things you couldn’t before,” said Hammond, unable to keep the broad smile from his face. “I can invest in my retirement and travel all around our beautiful province!”

$7 Million for Langley Couple

The Hammond’s weren’t the only ones celebrating that day. Richard Bourgeois and Michelle Wishard of Langley had even more reasons to dance as they were the proud owners of that same day’s overall winning lottery ticket.

Mr. Bourgeois and Ms. Wishard were on ‘Could 6/49‘, collecting the top prize of $7,000,000.

“I was checking the ticket online and saw we had one number. Then two and then all six!” he exclaimed in recollection. “This is just surreal and unbelievable!”

The Langley couple have already made quite a few plans as to how to spend their new-found fortune. After winning the lottery, they’re going to purchase a new home, a new truck, and are looking forward to traveling all across Canada. But they are most excited about following in the tradition of the British Columbia Lottery Corp (BCLC), and ‘playing it forward‘.

Ms. Wishard told prize claim staff they will share their wealth with their loved ones.

“Richard’s helping his family and I’m going to take care of my three kids.” A wide smile creased her lips before adding, “This is amazing!”

Mr. Bourgeois winning lottery ticket was purchased in Chilliwack, BC, from the Save on Foods mart on Yale Road. Mr. Hammond’s fortuitous Extra play ticket was bought from the lottery ticket centre at the Mackenzie Mall.

Winning the Lottery Means Playing It Forward

The BCLC encourages all players to say “Yes” to the Extra, as the Hammond’s did on that fateful day, and hopes to see all of their lucky millionaire winners ‘play it forward‘, as the Langley couple is doing.

BCLC’s Play It Forward program ensures that $0.88 of every $1.00 spent on the province’s lottery goes right back into the community, helping to fund all sorts of important projects, like health, education, and improvements to local infrastructure.