An unforgettable Christmas, indeed.
Andrew Buhain says the moment was "surreal" when learning a longtime dream had just became reality in claiming $500,000 from Lotto 6/49's Extra game on Dec. 25, 2021.
The unexpected gift had the Coquitlam resident in complete shock — even still to this day — and a big purchase is now on his 2022 holiday wishlist.
"It’s still so hard to believe. I will be able to get our first home," said Buhain in a news release today (Jan. 27) from the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC).
Buhain explains he's thankful he said 'Yes' to playing Extra for the Christmas Day draw as he's dreamed of moving into a brand-new home with his family.
Once they feel safe to travel amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he also plans on using the money for a vacation with the wife with whom he first shared the news.
"[She] started crying. It still hasn’t sunk in."
Buhain purchased his half-million-dollar ticket at the Real Canadian Superstore in Maillardville (1301 Lougheed Hwy.).
According to BCLC, he checked his numbers on his smartphone using the Lotto! app.
Buhain becomes the fourth $500,000 lottery winner in the last six months to reside in Coquitlam.
More than $42 million in prizes were claimed by B.C. lottery players from the Extra draw — nearly $100 million from Lotto 6/49 alone.
