Ontario couple vows to play Lotto 6/49 for a year — then wins $2.5M jackpot
Last fall, Blaine Parrington and Evelyne Rainville made a simple pact: they'd play Lotto 6/49 every Wednesday for one year and see what happened. Six months in, the Sturgeon Falls, Ont., couple found themselves $2.5 million richer.
The couple's $3 Lotto 6/49 ticket matched the winning numbers in the April 2, 2025 Classic Draw. Their ticket was one of two that split the $5 million jackpot.
While the retirees have been casual lottery players for nearly 15 years, dabbling in both jackpot and Instant games, this was their first major win.
'I scanned our Lotto 6/49 ticket on the store's ticket checker and saw the 'Big Winner' message. When I asked the store clerk to validate our ticket, the lottery terminal froze. An OLG representative called and confirmed we'd won $2.5 million,' said Parrington.
'I was amazed and shocked. It was a feeling that can't be explained into words.'
With happy tears in his eyes, he rushed home to share the life-changing news with his loved ones.
'I was astonished,' Rainville said, recalling the moment she found out they were now millionaires.
'That afternoon, we had family over and told them about our winning ticket. Everyone was very happy for us, including our son, whom we video chatted with and sent a picture of the validation slip. It was a surreal and exceptionally overwhelming moment.'
Parrington also shared the exciting news with his daughter, whose reaction was one he won't forget.
'I reached out to my daughter, but she was busy and had to call me back,' said Parrington.
'After seeing the text message I'd sent her, she returned my call. When I answered, she was singing the Barenaked Ladies song, 'If I Had $1,000,000.' It was such a wholesome moment.'
The funny response was a reminder of how surreal this win felt for Parrington and Rainville — and how much joy it brought their entire family. With the prize now in hand, the couple is looking forward to a more relaxed and fulfilling chapter of life.
'I enjoy fishing, so I'm looking to buy a new boat,' said Parringon.
'I'd like to upgrade my car, and we'd love to plan a trip within Canada to see the Rocky Mountains,' added Rainville. 'We'll also share this prize with our children and grandchildren, complete some renovations, and make some investments for our future.'
The duo's winning numbers were 18, 26, 35, 40, 43, 47, and the ticket was purchased at RX Drug Mart on King Street in Sturgeon Falls, Ont.
Lotto 6/49 gives players a chance to win two jackpots every Wednesday and Saturday for $3 per play. The Classic Draw offers a fixed $5 million jackpot, while the Gold Ball Draw guarantees at least $1 million — or a growing jackpot that starts at $10 million and can climb past $60 million.
From a playful weekly tradition to a multi-million dollar win, Parrington and Rainville are proof that sometimes all it takes is one good idea and a little bit of luck.
Tools to stop gambling
If you're looking to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion programs can be effective tools. See here for resources that are available across Canada.
Solve the daily Crossword
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
We spotted some trendy workwear staples in Lululemon's We Made Too Much section
Let Lululemon outfit all your summer fitness goals. Overflowing with tons of activewear essentials, the brand's We Made Too Much section has you covered for every type of workout, so you don't have to pay full price for your favorites. That now even includes everything from its latest drops like LuluLinen and timeless staples like ABC Shorts. Hundreds of Lululemon finds are a lot to sift through, so as someone who covers fashion deals and sales for a living, I rounded up the section's best workout clothes for women and men ahead. Lululemon Stretch Woven Ruffle-Waist High-Rise Shorts Leaning into the long, loose shorts trend jump-started by jorts, this pair from Lululemon is a fashionable way to keep cool this summer. Comfort is top of mind, indicative of its stretchy fabric combined with a ruffle waist. It doubles as workwear and off-duty apparel. Lululemon Women's Varsity High-Rise Pleated Tennis Skirt A fresh hue just joined the ranks of Varsity skirts in the We Made Too Much section. This cheery melon-inspired orange color will brighten up your wardrobe both on and off the court. Its pleated design helps keep your movements lightweight. Read our review Lululemon FlexyFlex Strappy Yoga Bra Light Support, A-C Cups Made with a more stretchy fabric than other sports bras in the Lululemon lineup, this FlexyFlex option uses a material that's both soft and stretchy for a more comfortable feel as you transition through yoga flows. Lululemon Court Rival Wide-Leg Track Pants Tug on these wide-leg track pants as you head to and from workouts. It has a cinchable drawstring waistband and cutouts at the ankle so you can easily pull over sneakers. Plus, choose from two hem lengths: 32 inches and 35 inches. Lululemon Swiftly Tech Cropped Racerback Tank Top 2.0 I consider a tank top a quintessential workout piece in my closet. It's great for those sweaty sessions in the gym or when you're taking your workout outside. This racerback design, paired with a cropped fit, lends it a more stylish appearance. Lululemon ABC WovenAir Pull-On Shorts Newly added prints of the popular ABC pull-on shorts just landed in the We Made Too Much section. That includes this versatile Fog Green as well as a flowery design. It adopts the brand's WovenAir fabric to help things stay breezy. Lululemon LuluLinen Short-Sleeve Shirt Five different colors of the LuluLinen shirt are still circulating in the brand's We Made Too Much section, meaning you can add one of their latest drops to your wardrobe while it's still in stock. Lululemon Heavyweight Cotton Jersey T-Shirt Tennis Club For a fun, laid-back piece to work into your ensembles, enter this graphic tee. It's got a substantial feel to it with its heavyweight cotton construction, and it brings a casual look to your summer fits. Lululemon Soft Jersey Short-Sleeve Shirt One of Lululemon's softest tees is taking up residence in the We Made Too Much section. Made with a jersey fabric, it's great for those days when you just want to sit back and relax. While you're at it, snag its matching shorts and sweatpants too. Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts Runners, meet your new go-to shorts. The performance-driven pair taps a combination of mesh seaming and ventilation to give you optimal airflow, while its zippered pockets keep your hands free on the go. Lululemon typically has a plethora of workout apparel in the site's We Made Too Much section, which features overstocked styles at a reduced cost. It allows you to shop attire for every type of exercise, from Pilates to running, without breaking the bank. The deals editors at CNN Underscored look out for your wallet daily, scouring sales at the top of every morning. We determine if a deal is worthy of coverage by doing price history checks, searching for available coupon codes and comparing against competitor pricing. Our team, consisting of senior editor Rikka Altland, editor Jacqueline Saguin and associate editor Elena Matarazzo, is passionate about unearthing deals we would be tempted to shop. We enjoy finding a great deal on a coveted item, especially one that's a best-tested pick by our experts, because it means we're helping our readers make savvy buying decisions.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
'A New Low. Even For Him': Drake Is Being Called An 'Extremely Odd Individual' After Sharing This 'Weird' Instagram Post About Gracie Abrams
If you follow Drake on Instagram, you'll know it's not unusual for him to post things that are a little random. However, his latest IG update has caused some confusion online. On Monday, the Canadian rapper posted a selfie of Gracie Abrams on his story, highlighting the darker patch of skin on her left arm, presumably a birthmark. He captioned the picture: 'I used to hate my birthmark but Gracie got the same one so now it's art,' before following up with an old photo showing a similar mark on his arm. Related: Drake and the 25-year-old singer — who is currently dating Paul Mescal — aren't known to have a public friendship. However, this isn't the first time that Drizzy has posted about Gracie this year. In March, he took to his IG story to praise her song 'I Knew It, I Know You.' And though his sentiment was nice, people are still finding Drake's latest post pretty cringeworthy and odd, with people suggesting on X that this is 'a new low' for the notoriously corny rapper. Related: Related: Some called the move 'very weird and creepy,' while others implied that the 38-year-old rapper is getting a little old to be posting like this. For what it's worth, fans have pointed out that Gracie follows Drake on IG, so maybe they're friendlier than we thought? The fact that she follows him also suggests that she's probably seen the post, so we'll let you know if she has anything to say about this. Mark Blinch / Getty Images, Etienne Laurent / Getty Images Related: this really a new low for Drake? Or just another example of him being a little corny? As a longtime Drake fan, I'm hardly surprised by his weird IG activity anymore, but LMK your thoughts in the comments. More on this Drake Has Sparked Backlash After He Posted A 'Disturbing' And 'Creepy' Photo He'd Taken Of A Woman He Doesn't Know Sitting In A RestaurantStephanie Soteriou · July 22, 2022 People Are Divided Over Drake's Wildly Dramatic Statement After Kendrick Lamar's 'Not Like Us' Grammy Wins, And I'm Dying To Know What You ThinkEllen Durney · Feb. 5, 2025 Drake Clarified That His 'Previous Engagements' Necklace Was 'Just A Joke' That People Took Too 'Literal' After He Was Dragged Online For Being 'Corny' And 'Embarrassing'Ellen Durney · Feb. 13, 2023 Also in Celebrity: Also in Celebrity: Also in Celebrity: Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Bandai Invites You to Blast Off to Tamagotchi Paradise
The latest device from the pioneering virtual pet brand is a whole new perspective on the classic Tamagotchi play pattern, with a special Zoom dial bringing nurturing from cell to space and a Tamagotchi Planet featuring more than 50,000 new characters Paradise is now on-sale on Amazon US & Canada, HEB, EB Games and other specialty stores, and rolling out soon to other retailers like Walmart, Barnes & Noble and Macy's IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Ever since Tamagotchi pets appeared on Earth in 1996, hundreds of thousands of these adorable characters have found loving homes with humans. For the first time ever, Tamagotchi Paradise – the next device in the brand's rich history – will take fans on an interstellar journey, where the quintessential Tamagotchi play gives birth not only to a beloved new character…but an entire Tamagotchi Planet! The device has an MSRP of $44.99 and is now on-sale in North America at retailers including Amazon US and Canada, HEB, EB Games and other specialty stores, and rolling out soon at Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Macy's. Paradise uniquely features a zoom dial on the side of the device, which allows players to zoom in and out on their gameplay, allowing users to experience the world of Tamagotchi from both macro and micro perspectives. Zoom in close and get a look at your Tamagotchi character's cell composition! Zoom all the way out and discover the new Tamagotchi Planet that grows into Paradise as you nurture your character at the Planet level. Paradise marks a new era for the brand. The telescopic device reimagines how fans care for their virtual companions. Players will cultivate their Tamagotchi character through generations, shaping its growth based on how they care for it. With 12 unique species to nurture, the possibilities are endless, including over 50,000 potential characters that can be created based on genetic traits passed down from its "parents." "With the launch of this device, we are redefining the Tamagotchi experience by offering a groundbreaking level of interactivity that allows users to engage with their Tamagotchi characters in ways never before imagined," said Tara Badie, Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America, Senior Director Brand Strategy. "From zooming in to observe their growth to cultivating an entire planet, Tamagotchi Paradise takes the beloved franchise to new heights and promises to deliver an unmatched sense of joy and discovery for each of our fans." A New Planet, A New Adventure The story behind Tamagotchi Paradise begins with the creation of a Tamagotchi Planet, born from the overwhelming love and care displayed by fans for decades worldwide. This planet, which originated from an egg that exploded with joy, now serves as the foundation for a new adventure with more than 50,000 Tamagotchi characters. Players are responsible for nurturing this newborn world, helping it grow into a flourishing paradise, while caring for the Tamagotchi characters that call it home. Users will have the opportunity to raise their Tamagotchi character in one of three distinct fields, each with its own unique traits, while cultivating a flourishing world that will develop based on the care provided. As you nurture your character, it will grow into one of 12 different species. But, the adventure doesn't stop there! Tamagotchi Paradise features over 50 adult characters to discover, with the potential for even more surprises, including an unidentified Tamagotchi character that fans will be eager to uncover. A New Way to Interact: Zoom in for Deeper Connections The innovative zoom dial is one of the key features that sets Tamagotchi Paradise apart from any of the previous Tamagotchi devices. This unique dial allows players to magnify their view of the Tamagotchi world, bringing them closer to their characters in ways that were never before possible. As your Tamagotchi character grows, you can adjust the magnification to see them at different stages of development, from their tiny beginnings to their full adult forms. Every interaction is filled with depth, making the experience feel incredibly personal and immersive. The device comes with three stunning shell designs for users to choose: Pink Land, Blue Water, and Purple Sky—each representing a different aspect of the expansive Tamagotchi Planet. From New Tamagotchi Planet to Tamagotchi Paradise The ultimate goal of Tamagotchi Paradise is to develop your Tamagotchi Planet into a magnificent Paradise. The more love and attention you give to your Tamagotchi character, the more the world around them grows and flourishes. With multiple species to raise, environments to explore, and the ever-expanding Tamagotchi world to discover, the possibilities are endless. With its exciting features, stunning visuals, and immersive nurturing play, Tamagotchi Paradise promises to be the ultimate Tamagotchi experience. For the latest updates, visit follow @tamagotchi_us on social media, and subscribe to @TamagotchiFriendsUS on YouTube. For more information and interview opportunities with Tara Badie, contact: Beacon Communications | on behalf of Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Incorporated Alyshia Kelly | akelly@ About Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. exists to share dreams, fun and inspiration with people around the world. Connecting people and societies in the enjoyment of uniquely entertaining products and services, we're working to create a brighter future for everyone. A leader in developing engaging, quality toys that capture children's and collector's imaginative spirit and provide endless "Fun For All into the Future," Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. is the manufacturer and master toy licensee of some of the most popular brands in children's toys, pop culture figures and interactive entertainment today. The Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. brand family includes PAC-MAN®, Gundam, Anime Heroes™, Bandai Hobby Model Kits, Tamashii Nations, DIGIMON® and Tamagotchi®, among other toys and hobby product lines. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California. Find out more about our expertise in connecting with kids in fun and fresh ways at About Tamagotchi®Tamagotchi® is the original virtual reality pet that has been capturing hearts around the world since its debut in 1996. A cultural icon that has grown with generations, Tamagotchi offers fans of all ages a fun, interactive experience where they can care for and connect with their digital companion anytime, anywhere. With a legacy of creativity and emotional connection, Tamagotchi continues to evolve with new features, styles, and technology, bringing timeless play to life in fresh and exciting ways. Part of the Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. brand family, Tamagotchi represents the company's mission to deliver "Fun For All into the Future." Learn more and discover the world of Tamagotchi at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
