Trip to buy gas fuels ‘big’ win for Okanagan woman

An Okanagan resident now hopes to retire earlier after cashing in a lucky lottery ticket.

Carrol Spear was filling up on fuel when she found out she’d won the $500,000 Extra prize from the January 9, 2024 Lotto Max draw.

“I was at Canco, the same location where I purchased the ticket,” recalled Spear. “The girl checked the ticket and all of a sudden four girls huddled around the machine. One had a big smile on her face and said, ‘You’ve won big!’ I was in disbelief!”

The Kelowna resident phoned her boyfriend to stay at her place when she was driving home.

“I was calling his name and he said, ‘What? It better be that you’ve won the lotto!’ I said, ‘Yes, I’ve won half a million,’ and my boyfriend turned around and started crying.”

Spear plans to help her sons and save for retirement.

“I’m retiring soon. Now since I’ve won this prize, maybe I’ll retire within a year.”

Spear bought the winning ticket at the Canco station on Ethel Street and Clement Avenue in Kelowna.

“I feel so blessed. It’ll pave the road and make things smoother for my future.”