A scratch-and-win ticket worth more than half a million dollars means Nanaimo resident Ian Thompson has more time to spend with his family.
The millworker won the $500,000 grand prize on a Classic Black Scratch and Win ticket bought at Save-On-Foods and plans to use the money for early retirement.
“I plan on spending time walking around Westwood Lake and relaxing with my family,” Thompson said, in a press release from the B.C. Lottery Corporation.
“I might even play a little more golf and tennis, because that’s what you do when you retire.”
Thompson, 61, didn’t realize he won when he checked his ticket. Not wearing his glasses, he didn’t know he had the winning ticket until the retailer started yelling in celebration.
He said he plays the lottery on a regular basis, but it’s the first time he won a large prize.
“The shock is just like you’d imagine it would be when you win,” Thompson said. “It’s exciting to be able to retire.”
The win gives him more time to spend with his wife, four children and six grandchildren.
For more information on the lottery in B.C., please visit www.bclc.com.