A Gravenhurst man is part of a trio that won over $300,000 playing the lottery.
Timothy Klementti of Barrie, Clifford Bakazias of Gravenhurst, and Gary Parsons of Toronto have started the year $321,264.90 richer after winning LOTTO MAX’s second prize on Nov. 22.
According to officials, the group have played the lottery with OLG for years.
Officials add they regularly purchased LOTTO MAX and LOTTO 6/49 tickets as part of their group play in addition to their own individual tickets.
“I was reviewing the winning numbers when I realized we’d won,” said Clifford, as he, Timothy, and Gary visited the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim their winnings. “I sent a message in our group chat, saying, ‘Put our ticket in a safe place!’ Timothy and Gary were surprised and thrilled!”
The three men shared the news with their wives, whose reactions ranged from “disbelief to pure joy,” adding their win couldn’t have come at a better time.
“It feels like the best Christmas present ever,” they said. “We feel like kids on Christmas morning.”
Officials say all three group members plan to invest and save for their retirement.
The winning ticket was purchased at Jean’s Variety on Burton Avenue in Barrie.
