A Windsor man says he can finally take a cross-country road trip after winning a gigantic windfall playing the lottery.
Jay Jayasinghe has been a regular lottery player since moving to Canada, and when he heard the winning ticket for the June 6 draw was sold in the city, he didn't expect much.
"In that split second, we thought it could be mine," he recalled. "I didn't really expect it though, so I put it out of my mind."
He returned to the store he bought his ticket from, and when the prize amount came up on the screen, he couldn't believe it.
"It didn't feel real. My heart was palpitating. My skin had goosebumps, and tears came to my eyes," he said. "I can hardly remember the days that followed that moment!"
Jayasinghe said it felt like winning the lottery twice since his daughter graduated from university just the week before.
The retail worker plans to take time to process his life-changing situation, but he has a wish list. He wants to support his daughter's education, buy a new house, give to charity, and travel.
"I love road trips. I've always wanted to explore this country, see the Rockies, and appreciate Canada's natural beauty," he said. "I also want to visit family."
A Dodge Charger Hellcat is also on his list.
"My father used to save automotive catalogues for me, and I still have them. I've always dreamed of having my own muscle car, but spending money on it was never a priority," he said. "I told my wife if I ever won LOTTO MAX, I would treat myself to a Dodge Charger Hellcat."
"This is an incredible blessing and an opportunity for a better life," he continued. "I'm thankful I was able to come to Canada to build my future. There are no limitations for our dreams now."
