There’s a new Lotto Max winner in Ontario who scored $25 million.
He didn’t even know he won at first because he wasn’t wearing his glasses when he checked his ticket!
OLG just announced that Toronto resident Charles Coffey won the $25 million Lotto Max jackpot from the draw on January 31, 2025.
The Lotto Max winning numbers for that draw were 2, 8, 9, 16, 27, 37 and 38.
Coffey told OLG that he’s “overwhelmed, humbled, and filled with gratitude by this massive lottery windfall.”
He bought the winning Lotto Max ticket at the Shell gas station on Yonge Street in North York.
Coffey went to his neighbourhood gas station to fill up his car, grab a chocolate bar and check a couple of Lotto Max tickets.
“When I checked my tickets on the self-scanner, one wasn’t a winner, but the other was. I thought I saw $25,000 and said to myself, ‘That’s interesting,'” Coffey explained.
“But I didn’t have my glasses on, so I got them out, went back to check what I thought was a $25,000 ticket, and saw $25 million,” he continued.
To make sure he actually won $25 million, he rushed home and asked someone in his family to read the numbers on his ticket.
He compared his numbers to the winning numbers and realized he really did win the jackpot.
Charles Coffey with a Lotto Max cheque.Courtesy of OLG
Coffey is an 81-year-old retiree, who grew up in a small town in New Brunswick and spent his career in the banking industry.
He has championed causes in Toronto and across Canada, involving Indigenous peoples, children and early child development, women entrepreneurs, women in public office, education and diversity.
For his dedication to these causes, Coffey was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003!
Also, he was made an Honorary chief by the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs for his support of First Nations. He received the Canadian Women’s International Business Initiative Award from the Canadian Embassy in the U.S. as well.
Scoring $25 million from Lotto Max means Coffey can continue his public service.
“This win gives me the opportunity to sustainably support the causes I have championed for decades. I believe in the premise of a hand-up versus a handout and want to support organizations that need a stronger voice,” Coffey said.
“The motto for the Order of Canada is ‘They desire a better country’ and that speaks to me. A desire for a better Toronto, a better Ontario, and a better Canada, in particular for our Indigenous peoples.”
But don’t worry, Coffey is also planning to spend a little money on himself.
“I’m excited to plan a wonderful family holiday so that we can celebrate and make more precious memories together,” he said.
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