2007 WINNERS
4 Women Overjoyed to Win the
Grand Prize in Variety Lottery!

“I couldn’t believe it when I got the message. They said I had won a ‘significant prize’. I thought it was a car,” said Joan MacKenzie, one of the four women who pooled their money and bought a 9-pack of tickets for $200 in Variety’s Spring Lottery.

The significant prize turned out to be the Grand Prize, which was a choice between a furnished home in South Surrey worth over $1.5 million, a home improvement package worth $1.2 million, or $1.2 million tax-free cash. After much deliberation, the women decided to take the cash.

“We are single mums who have worked hard all our lives, scrimping and saving to make ends meet. Winning has taken a huge weight off our shoulders and given us the freedom of choice,” explains Joan.

As the reality of their win slowly sinks in, the women reflect on the power of positive thinking.

“Joan was so focused. She was always getting us to think about what we would do if we won,” said Yvonne Stevens, who is just a couple of years away from retiring.  Patricia Blakeman, who has just retired this year, still can’t believe her good fortune.

“Somewhere in the back of my mind I always thought there was a possibility we would win,” said Lorraine Vance. “We had done our research and felt that the odds of winning were best with Variety. We also liked the fact that proceeds went to help kids.”

As special education assistants with the Delta School District, the women have dedicated their professional lives to working with kids who have learning challenges. “Our goal is to promote potential, which is exactly what Variety does,” explains Joan.

With the help of financial advisors, the women are now contemplating their new-found freedom. Joan plans to fix the roof, buy a new car, and fulfill her dream of travelling to Scotland. Patricia also plans to travel to Europe. Yvonne is looking forward to finishing her kitchen renovations and is overjoyed that she will not have to liquidate her home to subsidize her retirement. Lorraine is still weighing her options. “I feel a responsibility to do something productive and don’t want to rush it.”