Owen Sound Couple's $40 Million Jackpot: A Dream Come True!

In an extraordinary turn of fate, a couple from Owen Sound, Bryan and Stephanie Cantwell, have hit the jackpot, winning a staggering $40 million in the September 17 Lotto Max draw! This incredible win marks them as one of two fortunate winners sharing a record-breaking $80 million prize, with the second winning ticket sold in Quebec.

Bryan Cantwell, 46, was engulfed in disbelief when he first scanned their winning ticket using the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation app. "I couldn’t believe it; I checked that ticket seven or eight times!" he recalled, excitement evident in his voice. Each scan reaffirmed the life-altering message: 'Big Winner' and '$40 million.'

On the day he discovered the win, Stephanie, 47, was in the midst of her usual morning routine. “At first, I thought Bryan was joking when he asked me to check the ticket. I misread the amount as $40,000!” she laughed. “When he told me to take a closer look, I screamed in shock!”

Despite their newfound wealth, the couple attempted to go about their day as if nothing significant had happened, although the facade crumbled quickly; the monumental news was too large to ignore. Both Bryan and Stephanie momentarily returned to work — she in packaging and he in skilled trades — but the adrenaline of their winnings proved overpowering.

In a beautiful gesture of gratitude, they visited the family friend who sold them the winning ticket at the Petro-Canada located on Highway 6 & 10 in Rockford. What started as a casual stop took a thrilling turn; they initially checked another ticket that yielded a mere $20 win. Upon validating the Lotto Max ticket, the store worker was left astounded to discover she'd assisted in the $40 million win.

“Every moment has been a whirlwind of excitement balanced with necessary reality checks since this life-changing news,” Stephanie reflected. “We’ve always been generous at heart, and our dreams now include helping all the people we cherish. But careful budgeting will be key in maximizing the impact of this jackpot on our loved ones and the community.”

Bryan emphasized the importance of sustaining their newfound wealth, stating: “This is generational wealth, and we want to make it last.” Like many responsible new millionaires, they have a plan. They intend to assist Stephanie’s sister in purchasing a new home, support their parents, and fulfill requests from their children, including refurbishing an old Ford Bronco. “As a car enthusiast, I can’t wait to help make that happen,” Bryan remarked with a grin.

As for themselves, the couple dreams of finding a spacious new home and exploring the world. Bryan already snagged a new motorcycle to replace his damaged one. “I never thought I’d walk into a motorcycle shop and point to a brand-new bike,” he said, displaying a mix of disbelief and joy about his spontaneous treat.

This heartwarming tale of serendipity is a reminder of how quickly life can change. The Cantwells are not just basking in their windfall; they're meticulously planning for a future where they can spread their joy and support those they care about. Will they be the next big philanthropists? Only time will tell!