St Catharines man $2M lottery win had his heart ‘pounding out of my chest’

A 37 year old St Catharines man is $2 million richer after nabbing the top prize in the October 6 ONTARIO 49 lottery.

Christopher Winterbottom, a single dad, says he found the winning combo using significant dates and numbers. “These are the numbers I won on and will continue to play.”

Winterbottom said he scanned the ticket using the OLG app, he initially thought he won $2,000.

“When I realized I won $2 million I was kind of taken aback! I’m pretty sure you could have seen my heart pounding out of my chest.”

But the best moment? Telling his son. “Seeing the look on his face is when it really felt real to me. I feel so fortunate. This is an incredible opportunity to share joy with the people I love the most.”

And he knows the first thing he’s going to do with his winfall. He’s taking his son’s entire basketball team to Footlocker and letting them go on a spree.

“I can’t wait to see the look on their faces!” he smiled. “This win gives me the opportunity to brighten people’s days with small acts of kindness.”

After that, he said his main goal is to donate to the cancer centre in honour of his mother’s journey. “I would love to have her name on a plaque so everyone can know how much of a warrior she is,” he concluded.

The winning ticket was purchased at Shell Food Mart on Schmon Parkway in Thorold.