Lottery win 'surreal' for 22-year-old Woodstock man

A 22-year-old Woodstock man almost fell off his bed upon learning he won $50,000 on a scratch lottery ticket.

Article content A 22-year-old Woodstock man almost fell off his bed upon learning he won $50,000 on a scratch lottery ticket. Ethan M. recently won the top prize on a Let it Roll ticket. Recommended Videos He forgot about the ticket until finding it under his pillow one night, he told Ontario lottery officials at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto when he went to collect his prize money.

“I pulled out my phone to check it on the OLG app, not thinking much of it,” he said. “As soon as I saw the prize amount, I nearly fell off the bed — I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.” Ethan, who works at a cement facility, was eager to share the news with his parents, he said, but had to wait while they were at work.

“I just sat there staring at my phone in disbelief, scanning the ticket over and over again to make sure it was real. I genuinely thought I was dreaming.” He eventually shared the news with his parents via FaceTime.

“My mom was incredibly happy and couldn’t wait to celebrate with me after her shift. My dad was surprised and thrilled for me. It was such a special moment.”

Ethan says he likes to try out new tickets. “I only buy tickets once in a blue moon. I choose ones that look fun and enticing,” he said.

So what are his plans for the money? He aims to buy a car and invest the rest. “Winning the lottery at such a young age feels surreal,” Ethan said.

“It’s exciting to know I have a financial head start. I’m incredibly grateful because I know opportunities like this don’t come around often. I feel hopeful and optimistic about my future.”

The ticket was purchased at Circle K on Devonshire Avenue.