$1M prize winner takes coworkers for lunch after big lottery win in Ajax, Ontario

An automotive technician says he’s going to stay on the job after taking home a $1 million lottery prize.

Siv Shanmuganathan has been a lottery player for over 15 years, and has worked as an automotive technician for more than two decades.

The 51-year-old auto worker was at a gas station when he checked a Lotto Max ticket and found out he’d won $1 million.

“I checked my ticket at the gas station and the screen said, ‘Big Winner,’” Shanmuganathan said while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to collect his cheque. “I was so happy.”

He took all of his coworkers out to lunch to celebrate, but still kept his big win a secret from everyone except his manager.

Shanmuganathan says he plans to use the money pay some bills and save for the future, but won’t be going into early retirement. He also hopes to help people in need, and his wife would like to open her own daycare.

“I’ll keep my job. I’ve been there for over 20 years and I love it,” he said.

Lotto Max is $5 per play, with draws on Tuesdays and Fridays. The OLG says it supports safe play and responsible gambling through its PlaySmart program.

The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on Salem Road in Ajax.