For nearly two months, Doug and Enid Hannon of Lakefield kept a big secret from their entire family – a secret worth $70 million.
The couple, married for 51 years, became Ontario's newest millionaires after winning the $70 million Lotto Max jackpot in the February 20 draw.
During a special winner's celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a $70 million Lotto Max ticket and how they kept it a big secret this is so long.
Although Enid bought the Quick Pick Lotto Max ticket at a grocery store while on the way to their camp, it was Doug who discovered the big win the day after the draw, when he checked the ticket on OLG application.
“I had absolutely no idea the winning ticket was sold in my area. So, when I saw the word Big Winner on the phone screen, I trembled, my heart pounded, and had to stare for a while to process it. all those zeros then I have to check it a few more times.”
Doug, who has been retired for several years, decides not to mention anything to his wife until she gets home from work.
“I went to the garage and buried myself in some work while wrestling with doubt and thinking about our next steps,” Doug said. He made sure dinner was ready when Enid got home and waited until they finished eating to share the news.
“Doug told me to go into the computer room, the OLG website was on the computer screen. He told me to check the numbers on the ticket. When I realized I had won, for the first time I thought it was a prize $70,000. Doug told me to count all the zeros and that's when I realized we won $70 million,” Enid said.
That's when emotions are relaxed.
“We hugged each other and cried and started talking about the wonderful opportunity we had to help our families and others,” she said.
The couple decided to keep this multi-million dollar win a secret to themselves for a while – they even kept it a secret from their grown children and grandchildren.
First, they agree to take financial and legal advice as they start making some money-making plans.
Not telling anyone was difficult for Enid because she was so open and expressive with everyone who knew her.
“Keeping this secret is killing me,” she said.
About a week before receiving their award at the winner's celebration, Doug and Enid finally told their children and grandchildren about their good fortune. Everyone couldn't believe it and was extremely happy for them.
During the celebration, the couple shared some of their plans to earn some money.
Doug, who loves the outdoors, said he wants to travel.
“I want to travel across Canada to experience the beautiful nature of this country from coast to coast,” says Doug.
Enid, who is nearing retirement, is excited about starting some long-awaited renovations to the house.
“I've been dreaming of a new kitchen for years and now I'm getting it, along with some other improvements to the house, because we love where we live and don't want to move,” she said.
The couple both agree that the number one priority for this money is their family.
“Our families are most important; we want to share this with them. I want to make sure everyone is safe, secure and well cared for.”
They also plan to share some of their winnings with community causes close to their hearts.
At the end of the winner's celebration, the Hannon family decided to reveal the secret to their extended family members. They invite them to a special family meeting where they reveal their $70 million win and the promise of a big family trip to celebrate together.
“This is truly a blessing for us and our family,” said Enid and Doug. “Like many people, you always hope to win the lottery, but we never dreamed this would happen to us. We are so grateful.”
The winning ticket was purchased at Kinmount Independent Grocer on Kawartha Lakes County Rd 121 in Kinmount.
