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Two Toronto siblings who came to Canada with dreams of a better life have won $75 million in a LOTTO MAX draw, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Commisson (OLG) has announced.
Jonathan R. and Mylene P., who are brother and sister, won the $75 million LOTTO MAX jackpot from the March 3, 2026 draw, the OLG said in a news release Tuesday. The organization now only releases winners’ first names and last initial to the media.
During a winner celebration at the OLG Prize Centre, the pair told the Crown agency that they have been playing the lottery together for nearly two years and choose numbers that are meaningful to them and their families.
Drewry’s Variety, a convenience store on Drewry Avenue in North York near Yonge Street and Cummer Avenue sold them the winning ticket.
OLG said in the release that the win marks the first time that a brother and sister have won such a major prize. Both Jonathan and Mylene said they are thrilled with the win.
“I’m so grateful for everything this means,” Jonathan said.
“We came to Canada for a better life for ourselves and our families. My main priority is taking care of my parents, my wife, and my children,” he said.
“My children will have their education paid for. I want them to have the best of the best.”
‘Now I can clean my own new beautiful home’
Mylene, for her part, said the win means she can buy a house of her own.
“This win is life-changing — not only for us, but also for our children. I’ve always dreamt of building a home of my own, and I’m looking forward to making that a reality,” she said.
“I made my living cleaning beautiful houses, and now I can clean my own new beautiful home. My heart is full of so much love and joy. This win is a dream come true!”
Both siblings said the jackpot means they make travel plans.
Mylene said she would like to visit Germany, Austria, and Japan and plan a family vacation that would include spouses, parents and children.
“We want to travel across Canada. There’s so much beauty in discovering this incredible country we’re proud to call home,” Mylene said.
Jonathan and Mylene have been playing the lottery together for nearly two years and choose numbers that are meaningful to them and their families. (Morgan Kitchen/CBC)
‘At first, I thought we won $75,000’
Both siblings, however, said they were surprised when they won and had to check the zeros to make sure.
Jonathan said he discovered their ticket won a prize when he checked it on the OLG app.
“At first, I thought we won $75,000. My eyes were still sleepy,” he said. “When I put on my glasses to take a second look, I noticed there were more zeros and I was so happy.”
Jonathan said he woke up his sister with the news and Mylene said she began crying when she heard.
“He showed me his phone screen, and I also thought we won $75,000 until he told me to count the zeros,” Mylene said.
“Once I realized it was $75 million, I was so excited. It was unbelievable! I’ve always dreamt of something like this but never imagined it would come true. But finally it has.”