Ucluelet, B.C. woman wins $18M Lotto Max jackpot

B.C.’s latest multi-millionaire is a Ucluelet woman who won the $18 million Lotto Max Jackpot last month.

The BC Lottery Corporation says Sharon Fraser bought her winning ticket on Vancouver Island for the Feb. 23 draw.

According to BCLC, Fraser was eating breakfast when she remembered to check the draw numbers.

“Even though she was still waking up, Fraser definitely felt more alert after learning she won the $18-million jackpot,” the corporation said Tuesday.

Fraser says she was eating with her son and husband when she found out the life-changing news.

“Every Saturday morning, I check the [Lotto Max] results. I thought it was a free play and said, ‘They’ve made a mistake.’ I called customer support and they verified everything,” she recalled.

“The kids were in disbelief at first.”

Fraser says she wants to buy property and a new car with her winnings. Also described by the BCLC as an “avid sailor,” the corporation says Fraser hopes to take some trips in the south.

The Vancouver Island retiree says the $18 million will help provide security for both her and her husband, as well as their children.

BCLC says Lotto Max players have redeemed more than $34 million so far this year. The draws take place every Tuesday and Friday after 7:30 p.m.

Just last week, BCLC announced someone who bought a Lotto 6/49 ticket online for the March 6 draw matched all 10 digits for the $58-million Gold Ball Jackpot.

The corporation notes this is the largest jackpot to ever be won from a ticket bought online through PlayNow.com, the province’s legal, regulated gambling website.

Winners have 52 weeks from the draw date printed on the ticket to come forward. If that happens, BCLC says it will release a name.

It’s unclear if anyone has come forward to claim the record-breaking prize.