Brother and sister win $75 million lottery jackpot in Canada

A brother and sister have been revealed as the winners of a massive $75 million lottery jackpot in Ontario.

Jonathan R. and Mylene P. won the top prize from the March 3 Lotto Max draw, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation announced on Tuesday.

It marks the first time that a brother-sister duo have won a major lottery jackpot with the OLG.

They both live in Toronto and have been playing the lottery together for nearly two years.

They enjoy choosing their own numbers and picking ones that hold special significance to them and their families.

Jonathan was the one who discovered the big win one morning when checking their ticket on the OLG app.

“At first, I thought we won $75,000. My eyes were still sleepy,” he said.

“When I put on my glasses to take a second look, I noticed there were more zeros and I was so happy.”

He then woke up his sister to share the big news.

“He showed me his phone screen, and I also thought we won $75,000 until he told me to count the zeros. Once I realized it was $75 million, I was so excited,” Mylene said, adding that she began crying tears of joy.

“It was unbelievable. I’ve always dreamt of something like this but never imagined it would come true. But finally it has.”

Jonathan said that when he shared the news with his wife, she didn’t believe him at first, perhaps because he has played jokes on her before.

“With Mylene’s help, we finally convinced her it was true, and she was overwhelmed and emotional,” he said.

Jonathan said he is very grateful for the win and what it will lead to.

“We came to Canada for a better life for ourselves and our families. My main priority is taking care of my parents, my wife, and my children. My children will have their education paid for. I want them to have the best of the best,” he said.

Jonathan said he is also looking for a property to build a large home on where his family can grow together, adding, “So many generations will benefit from this windfall.”

He said he also wants to build a small chapel in his hometown.

For Mylene, she said her family is her top priority as well.

“This win is life-changing — not only for us, but also for our children. I’ve always dreamt of building a home of my own, and I’m looking forward to making that a reality,” she said.

“I made my living cleaning beautiful houses, and now I can clean my own new beautiful home.”

Jonathan and Mylene also plan to travel, with Germany, Austria, and Japan on Mylene’s list.

They are looking to plan a big family vacation to bring everyone together.

The winning ticket was purchased on Drewry Avenue in North York at Drewry’s Variety.

Images via the OLG