$1,000 a Week for Life: Canadian Lottery Winner’s Big Choice
Sometimes luck shows up when you least expect it. That was the case for Maria Caroli, a resident of Laval, Quebec, who rarely plays the lottery. One day, her spouse stopped by the grocery store and picked up a $5 Gagnant à vie ticket as a little gift—and it turned out to be life-changing.
Maria didn’t even check her ticket right away. She played it, left for work, and only found out she’d won when her spouse called with the exciting news: she had hit the grand prize of $1,000 a week for life. “I left work at noon, I was too excited!” Caroli recalled.
When it came time to claim her winnings at Loto-Quebec headquarters, Maria faced the classic jackpot dilemma:
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Take $1,000 a week for life, or
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Grab the $1 million lump sum
While most winners go for the lump sum, Maria chose the lifetime payments, saying it lets her maintain her current lifestyle while enjoying peace of mind.
A few extra details that add to the story:
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The winning ticket was purchased at IGA Extra on 2137 Boulevard Curé-Labelle in Laval.
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The store will earn a $10,000 commission, or one percent of the jackpot.
Quebec has seen some big wins recently. For example, a group of eight strangers shared a $5-million Lotto 6/49 jackpot in the December 13 draw, showing that big wins are happening all over the province.
Maria’s story is a reminder that sometimes small gestures—a $5 ticket from a spouse—can turn into a lifetime of happiness.
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