After 2 months, Calgary couple check Daily Grand ticket and discover they won $7 million
Meghan Petaske and Cody Rudiger took a while to get around to their Christmas basket gifts this year, and are they ever glad they finally did.
The Calgary couple received a Daily Gaind lottery ticket from Petaske’s mom as part of her annual Christmas baskets – one for each of the family’s five children -- and then neglected to check them for two months.
When they did, they discovered they'd won $7 million.
“When we checked the ticket at the store, we weren’t sure how much we had actually won,” Petaske said. “We had to get a printout and put the commas in in the right places – we couldn’t believe it!”
The winners are making plans how to use their windfall.
“We can’t get over the wonderful timing,” said Petaske. “We’re just starting out in life, and we’ll be able to pay off student loans and really invest in our future.”
“It’s emotional for me,” she continued. “I never thought I would own a house and now… well, it’s a reality now!”
“We’re both pretty financially responsible,” Rudiger added. “We don’t want to get 10 years down the road and all the money’s gone!”
“This really is helping us to find freedom, though,” he continued. “The possibilities are endless!”
The duo have plans for some fun, too.
“We talked about travelling in the past,” said Rudiger. “Greece, Spain, all through Europe would be amazing.”
They also plan to share some of it with family and their community.
The winning ticket was purchased at an Okotoks Shoppers Drug Mart on Southridge Drive. Petaske’s mom bought the Daily Grand ticket as part of a $20 Triple Pack.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.
'Nobody should be getting away with murder': Grieving mother speaks out after son killed in North Preston, N.S.
A grieving mother is speaking out after her 36-year-old son was shot and killed in North Preston, N.S., Wednesday night.
Toronto-area dessert shop featured by Keith Lee forced to move after zoning complaint
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.