Manitoba's biggest lottery win breaks 5-year record
By Kate Northrop
The Canadian winner of a $46 million (US$ 33 million) Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball jackpot says he will use some of the winnings to pay off his ex-wife's mortgage.
A Manitoba resident became the province's biggest lottery winner after emerging the sole winner of a $46 million Lotto 6/49 jackpot.
Earl Giesbrecht was all smiles when Western Canada Lottery Corporation (WCLC) officials handed him the oversized celebratory check for $46 million. He had beaten the record for Manitoba's largest lottery win, which was a $27.5 million (US$ 19.7 million) Lotto 6/49 jackpot from about five years ago.
"I didn't know I won, but I did see that someone in Manitoba had, so I wanted to check my ticket," Giesbrecht explained to WCLC staff.
He took his ticket for the May 16 Lotto 6/49 draw to the store to scan it, but he didn't quite comprehend the size of the prize it revealed right away.
"I thought it was $46 thousand at first!" the Whitemouth resident said. "When I started counting the zeroes, the cashier said, 'It's actually $46 million,' and I just about fell over!"
Many people scream, a lot jump up and down. Some even hug the cashier behind the counter. But Giesbrecht was stunned into complete still silence.
"I thought I was going to have a heart attack," he recalled. "I had to call my brother just to come and sit with me in the store. I didn't think I could even drive myself home."
Whitemouth, where Giesbrecht lives, is a tiny rural community of just around 400 people.
"I think the whole town already knows I've won," he laughed while claiming his prize. "News spreads fast!"
First things first, Manitoba's biggest lottery winner plans on improving his and his family's quality of life.
"I want to buy a house, and then I'm going to help my children," he remarked. "I'm also going to pay my ex-wife's mortgage off. We were together many years and we still talk."
He said he's already contacted his bank about creating a plan to manage most of the prize money.
"I don't have many big plans because I've never had money like this," Giesbrecht said in a press release. "It feels fantastic though. It's unbelievable! I'm giddy!"
Giesbrecht purchased his winning ticket at First Stop Grocers on Railway Avenue in Whitemouth and won the May 16 Lotto 6/49 Gold Ball draw with his numbers 24182524-02.
"I'm currently semi-retired," he continued. "And now I'm thinking about maybe becoming fully retired... we'll see!"
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He did not forget all the good times he had with his ex. when things were fine. They still talk. BRAVO and that's the way to do it. Unfortunately, a lot of people see their exes as MONSTERS. Congratulations on the win and also on maintaining a civil relationship with the ex. They are not all monsters.
"I think the whole town already knows I've won," he laughed while claiming his prize.
I'm afraid he won't be laughing for long.
On a positive note, I bet to his kids it means the world that he's willing to help their mother. It sounds like they were already rich with blessings.
So kind, congratulations 🍀💚
Very nice of him.
Great story, he seems like a very sweet guy. enjoy.