A Manitoba man says he was shocked to see “a lot of commas” when he checked the lottery ticket that made him the province’s newest multi-millionaire.
Keith Spulnick of Fraserwood took home a $27.5-million jackpot from the LOTTO 6/49 draw last week — Manitoba’s third-largest lottery win overall, and the largest 6/49 win in the province since the game was launched almost four decades ago.
Spulnick said the win — on a ticket he bought at a Riverton store — will be life-changing for his family, as recent health problems left him unable to work and saddled with mounting expenses.
“By the time I physically got better, I didn’t have a dime to my name,” he said.
“We have been pulling ourselves out slowly, but it’s taken a long time.
“I have a picture of me with my last five bucks — that was all I had left then. I’m going to frame that.”
Spulnick said his first plan with his newfound wealth is to get solid financial advice to make sure the windfall is spent — and saved — wisely, but there are plans for some fun in the cards as well, including a new vehicle and some travel once it’s safe.
“I don’t need anything else. I’m not a ‘high lifestyle’ guy, I want to remain me – this is all we need,” he
said.
“It’s the best thing that ever happened in my life. I never thought I would get this.”