July 26, 2023
ST. JOHN’S (N.L.) – Perry and Tammy Cox of Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L. were pretty sure they had won the top-prize win on a Set for Life Scratch’N Win ticket, but their local store became a hive of excitement when they dropped in to confirm they weren’t dreaming.
In disbelief after scratching the ticket, the couple immediately decided to head to the nearest Atlantic Lottery retailer and have it validated.
“I walked into the store and my hands were shaking,” Tammy said, though she knew right away from the clerk’s reaction it was good news. “She said ‘You did win!’ She cried with us, she was so excited that we won.
“The excitement of the crowd that was in the store that day was amazing, they were just as happy as we were. It was a crazy feeling,” Tammy said. “I was screaming and jumping and everybody in the store was hugging us and congratulating us.
“Everybody dreams of something like this, but to actually have that winning ticket in your hand – what an experience. Everybody should have it.”
The top prize for Atlantic Lottery’s Set for Life Scratch’N Win ticket is one of two options; $1,000 a week for 25 years, or a lump sum payment of $675,000. The couple have opted to take the lump sum payment.
Perry said Set for Life is part of a long-standing tradition between he and Tammy.
“If I go to the store, go out for bread or whatever, I’ll buy her a Set for Life ticket. Been doing it for years,” he said. “Usually just one, and if it’s an occaision where I have a card I’ll put a couple in a card for her. I hoped someday that we would win something. I never actually thought that I might.”
That routine led to him buying a pair of tickets that won $4 and $6, which they used to buy two more Set for Life tickets – one of which turned out to be the top-prize winner. The couple said the win will help them pay off their mortgage, buy a new car and bring retirement a little closer, though they both plan to continue working for the foreseeable future. They also hope to find a special way to commemorate their upcoming 25th wedding anniversary.
“It was pretty emotional, as you can imagine,” Perry said. “This will take care of the rest of our life, make it more comfortable and less stressful.”
The winning Set for Life ticket was purchased at Lotto Land in Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L. The retailer will receive a one per cent seller’s prize.
-30-
Media Contact:
Greg Weston
Atlantic Lottery Communications Strategist
(506) 867-5800 ext. 5569
greg.weston@alc.ca
1-800-561-3942
BACKGROUNDER: