$80-million lottery winner vows to help family, community
The winner of the largest lottery jackpot in B.C. history was revealed on Thursday, and he says he wants to use the windfall to help others.
Surrey resident Justin Simporios matched all seven numbers on the May 9 Lotto Max draw, netting the record prize.
He told the B.C. Lottery Corporation that when he found out the $80-million ticket was purchased in Surrey, he joked to his wife that 'we're millionaires.'
'She told me to stop making that joke. After, I manually checked each number before scanning (the app). I cried and shouted, 'We're millionaires!'' Simporios recounted in a BCLC media release.
Simporios said he's most excited to share the winnings with his family.
'I'll pay off my sister's medical school debt and help my mom retire early, just giving my family a head start in life,' he said.
The now-multi-millionaire also vowed to give back to his community.
'I've struggled before and needed help. Even if I can give an ounce of happiness, I want to help where I can. This feels like a dream,' he told the BCLC.
As for himself, Simporios, an LA Lakers fan, said he wants to see LeBron James play in-person before the star retires and visit family in the Philippines.
Asked how it feels to be set for life, he said, 'the biggest change will be having more time with my wife and family. We want to live with a purpose, to help the community around us.'
Simporios purchased the winning ticket at the Walmart in Central City mall.
The odds of winning a Lotto Max jackpot are one in 33,294,800.
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