Retired life just got a whole lot better for Paul and Marie Works.
They were in Moncton Monday to collect the top prize from Atlantic Lottery’s latest Set for Life draw worth $675,000.
Paul Works, who recently retired from Scotsburn Dairy, was waiting for his wife of 41 years during a trip to a local shopping mall.
A regular player, Paul remembered he had a Set for Life ticket in his car worth $4.
To pass the time, he brought it to the lotto booth in the mall and used his ticket to buy another five tickets.
“I always said ‘Set for Life is a lottery I really wanted to win,’” he joked.
Later that day, Paul sat down to scratch a surprise that went far beyond his dreams.
Once he laid his eyes on three sandals, he knew exactly what they meant.
After sharing the good news with his wife, Paul quickly grabbed the phone and began sharing news of his good fortune with others.
“I pretty much called everyone I knew,” he said.
Although they currently have no plans for the prize money and have not decided to take the lump sum or the $1,000 a week for 25 years, the Works agree they will be enjoying a more comfortable retirement than they previously expected.
Lottoland in New Glasgow will receive a one per cent seller’s prize for selling the winning ticket.
Atlantic Lottery awards 90,000 big and small prizes each day, with all its profits returned to Atlantic communities.
More than $240 million in prizes was awarded last year, while $398 million was returned to the four Atlantic Provinces.