THUNDER BAY - A local grandfather is $100,000 richer after buying a lucky lottery ticket earlier this spring and he plans to spend some of the winnings on his grandchildren.
Thunder Bay's Morris Wapoose, 63, a retired Matawa First Nations manager, matched the last six of seven Encore numbers during the May 30 Lotto 6/49 draw, earning him $100,014.
Wapoose bought an advance play ticket for two draws and waited until after the second draw before checking his ticket. While at a local retailer, the machine froze after the ticket was scanned.
“OLG called to tell me I was a big winner,” Wapoose said. “When the receipt printed, I saw the amount. I was so excited but I held it in until I got out to the car where I cheered and danced.”
According to Wapoose, he plans to use the winnings to pay off some bills and purchase a new vehicle.
“I’m going to buy myself a minivan,” he said. “I’ve lost count of all my grandkids but I need to be able to drive them around.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Arella’s Quality Dollar and Import Store on Bay Street.
Wapoose collected his cheque at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto. OLG has recently resumed in-person prize claims for tickets worth more than $50,000.
In-person prize claims were suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Public health measures have been put in place to protect staff and customers.