Extraordinary Twist of Fate

In an extraordinary twist of fate, a group of five coworkers from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has become instant millionaires after winning a staggering $60 million Lotto Max jackpot. The winning ticket, purchased to celebrate the Lunar New Year, has catapulted these friends into a new realm of financial freedom.

The Winning Purchase

On January 21, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced the winning numbers, but it was Trang Pham from Mississauga who made the magical purchase on behalf of her colleagues. Inspired by the cultural significance of the Lunar New Year—often associated with family, prosperity, and well-being—Pham decided to buy the ticket while she was shopping for creamer at the office.

"I thought it would be fun to mark the occasion and bring good fortune to our team," Pham explained. The ticket was bought from a Giant Tiger location in Etobicoke, and what started as a festive gesture quickly turned into life-changing news the following day.

Shock and Awe

Each member of the group—Pham, Soung Tran, Phong Phan, Thuc Le, and Zou Hsieh—will take home an impressive $12 million each. Tran recounts her initial disbelief as she received the news: “I was in a parking lot wondering if Trang was kidding. When she confirmed it was real, I couldn’t contain my excitement; I was shaking and crying.”

The euphoric reactions didn’t stop there. Hsieh and Le shared that they struggled to eat or sleep in the days that followed as the reality of their newfound wealth sank in. The OLG ceremony for the winners included a special presentation by Jim Warren, the chair of the board, who humorously presented the whopping $60 million cheque in a large red envelope—symbolizing the tradition of gifting during Lunar New Year celebrations.

Dreaming of the Future

Now that they’re multimillionaires, the group members have begun to dream about their future. Tran, with a heart for philanthropy, is taking her time to consider how she wants to use the money, emphasizing her desire to support causes close to her heart.

In contrast, Pham has her sights set on purchasing a home for her family, honoring her parents’ sacrifices since their immigration to Canada. "It’s my turn to take care of them," she expressed, adding that she also intends to invest wisely and give back to the community.

Le also wants to give back, envisioning a new house for her mother and a brand-new car for herself. Hsieh and Phan have their travel plans already laid out, ready to explore the world. Phan, although too young to entertain the idea of retirement, is excited about the endless possibilities, while Hsieh plans to fulfill her dream of traveling extensively, even hoping to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights.

A Reality for Those Who Dare

As this GTA crew embarks on their new journeys, they remind us all that sometimes, the dream of striking it rich can become a reality—but only for those who dare to take that chance.