TORONTO – Who won half a million bucks? These guys.
Eight friends will share $500,000 after winning the Max Millions prize in the June 7 Lotto Max draw.
The group also won $20 on another one of their Lotto Max selections, bringing their total winnings to $500,020.
The group members include:
– Kagnew Weldemicheal of Milton;
– Adam Debebe of Toronto;
– Daniel Mekonen of Kincardine;
– Jigssa Waqjira of Kitchener;
– Kirubel Abebe of Guelph;
– Melese Beri of Guelph;
– Surafel Abebe of Guelph; and
– Yelma Waqjira of Guelph.
Weldemicheal, the group leader, says this is a first time win for everyone in the group.
“I checked the ticket using the OLG app and I was so happy. I told my wife first and then I called all the group members to share the news,” he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to pick up his winnings.
“We are all close friends, and we feel very blessed.”
“I was very surprised when Kagnew called,” Abebe said. “I plan to use this win to put a down payment on a house. I just got married this year.”
“I plan to travel Europe with my winnings,” said Waqjira.
The winning ticket was purchased at Lucky Lotto Center on Sheppard Avenue in Scarborough.
