Mill Bay Retirees Celebrate $1 Million Scratch Ticket Win

Retirees from Mill Bay, British Columbia, Kenneth and Michele Babich, recently celebrated a life-changing moment after winning $1 million from a Scratch & Win ticket. The couple purchased the winning ticket at Thrifty Foods on Mill Bay Road earlier this month, marking a significant milestone in their lives.

Michele Babich described the moment of realization. “We were at home, and I scratched the ticket,” she recalled. After checking the ticket on the British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) Lotto! App, she showed it to Kenneth, who initially misread the winning amount. “He thought it was $50 seeing the ‘50x,’” Michele explained. It wasn’t until she pointed out the correct total that Kenneth realized they had won $1 million.

The couple decided to keep the news to themselves until they had officially claimed the prize. They had previously booked a cruise, but now plan to transform the holiday into a celebration of their newfound fortune. “It’s going to help us give back more to the causes we are passionate about,” Michele expressed, highlighting their intention to support community initiatives with their winnings.

Kenneth echoed his wife’s sentiments, stating, “One reason we like to play and what we appreciate about the lottery is all the different ways that the community benefits from the money generated from lotteries.” Their plans extend beyond personal enjoyment, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the lives of others in their community.

This significant win adds to the impressive figures reported this year in British Columbia. As of now, Scratch & Win players across the province have redeemed more than $109 million in prize-winning tickets, showcasing the popularity and positive impact of such lottery games.

The Babich’s story illustrates not only the excitement of winning but also the potential for positive change within their community. As they look forward to their cruise and new opportunities, their plans serve as a reminder of the broader benefits that lottery winnings can bring to society.