Advertisement

‘Huge scream’: B.C. woman recounts $35M lottery win

Rhonda Malesku of Kamloops, B.C., with a presentation cheque worth $35 million on Thursday, July 27, 2023. Malesku matched all seven numbers in Tuesday night’s Lotto Max draw and split the $70 million jackpot with another winning ticket in Alberta. Submitted

British Columbia’s newest multimillionaire says she plans on building her dream home, as well as buying dream homes for her son and daughter.

On Thursday, Rhonda Malesku stepped into the winner’s spotlight after matching all seven numbers in Tuesday night’s Lotto Max draw.

She and a winner from Alberta split the $70-million jackpot, with each taking home $35 million.

Click to play video: 'Winners of 2023 Calgary Stampede Lotteries'
Winners of 2023 Calgary Stampede Lotteries

“I’ve always dreamed of being able to design my dream home and also set my family up, so now I can do both,” Malesku said from the B.C. Lottery Corporation’s offices in Kamloops, her hometown.

Story continues below advertisement

Malesku said she purchased her lucky ticket at Walmart on Hillside Drive while shopping for beach towels, then wound up checking her ticket at home.

And when she did so, BCLC said, “her reaction caused quite a shock for her husband, who was in the backyard doing yard work at the time.”

“I let out a huge scream and kept saying, ‘I won 35 million dollars!’” said Malesku. “I opened up the back door and started screaming it outside to my husband, Sam, and we both started shaking!

“I was shouting so loud with excitement that the neighbours came out of their houses because they thought something was wrong.”

Click to play video: 'Quebec Lotto Max winner donates $7M to help house adults with autism'
Quebec Lotto Max winner donates $7M to help house adults with autism

Malesku said she then contacted her daughter, who was getting ready for work at the time.

Story continues below advertisement

“I called my daughter and started screaming it all over again to her. She immediately dropped everything and came over,” said Malesku.

“We couldn’t even get ready this morning because we were vibrating with excitement and had to help each other put on our makeup.”

Click to play video: '‘Randy wants to go to Las Vegas for a beer,’ $60-million lottery winner Janice Glays says'
‘Randy wants to go to Las Vegas for a beer,’ $60-million lottery winner Janice Glays says

Malesku says she can’t wait to build dream homes for her son and daughter, adding that family is the most important thing in life.

She also plans on buying a truck and travel trailer and looks forward to travelling to the East Coast with her loved ones.

“I’m just absolutely blown away,” she said.

Click to play video: 'Vancouver Island man wins $55-million jackpot'
Vancouver Island man wins $55-million jackpot

Sponsored content

AdChoices