$20 million lottery won in this Ontario city

An Ontario woman had a physical reaction to the news she had just won $20 million in the lottery.

Anna Pelka of Stoney Creek won $20 million in the Dec. 20 Lotto Max draw, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation said in a press release on Wednesday.

Pelka, who works in the healthcare industry, has played lottery—Lotto Max, Lotto 6/49, Ontario 49 and Lottario—for the past seven years, she told OLG.

She often read stories of lottery winners in the news and dreamed of what she would do if she won.

Pelka bought the winning ticket at the Petro-Canada on Mud Street West in Stoney Creek while picking up holiday-themed instant tickets.

After the draw, she decided to check the ticket while stopping for gas on her way home from work. She checked on the OLG ticket checker at the station and a message appeared on the screen, which told her to see the retailer.

“Shaking like a leaf, feeling hot and suddenly thirsty, I brought my ticket to the store clerk,” Pelka told OLG. “From that moment on, everything became a bit of a blur. The clerk was so kind and brought me a bottle of water. It was a surreal and crazy moment.”

She went straight home and took a shower while waiting for her husband.

“When he got home, I told him what had happened and how much I’d won, but he didn’t believe me,” she said.

The couple doubled-checked the numbers.

“We matched each number, shared a hug, and cried happy tears. As we embraced, we talked about what this win means for us and our family,” Pelka said.

The money will make a big difference in the family’s life.

“I’ve always hoped for a win like this and somehow, it happened—it’s so unreal and absolutely life-changing,” she said. “As a parent, it brings me peace of mind. It feels good to know that my children will be taken care of and can pursue the education of their dreams. It’s amazing to be able to provide this for them.”