Four Calgary friends win record $90 million Lotto Max jackpot

Four friends from Calgary have claimed the historic $90 million Lotto Max jackpot, the largest lottery prize awarded in Canadian history.

The winners are Eidelson Elchico, Hazeline Ong, Velna Ramirez and Lovelyn Malvar. They met through their families more than five years ago and created a group chat called “Manifesting Millions” at the beginning of October after seeing the rising jackpot.

Elchico said he found out around 3 a.m. the day after the late-October draw when he woke up and checked his email.

“(I was) planning to go downstairs to get some water,” Elchico said. “I grabbed my phone and was just scrolling down my email and I saw the winning (notification).”

He initially thought the amount was only $9,000 or $900 before waking his wife to double-check. The group confirmed $90 million was on hold.

Divided equally four ways, the $90 million will amount to $22.5 million per person.

Winners’ plans

None of the winners know how they will spend the money on themselves outside of using it to support their families. The group noted that they will donate part of their $90 million winnings to benefit the community.

“There’s a lot of people that need help. So, for me, this is the way,” Elchico said.

Ideas floated included donating a sum to the Alberta Children’s Hospital or a local church, but the group was unsure what organization they would choose.

All four winners are still working and said they need the distraction while the news settles. Outside of their respective spouses, the group said nobody in their lives knew they are now millionaires.

Official reaction

Steve Lautischer, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis’ executive vice-president of business development, commented on the win.

“The story of our four individuals is as wholesome as you can get,” Lautischer said. “It’s almost like the stuff writes itself. It’s unbelievable how this has come together for this group.”

Lautischer also said, “I suspect this could be the single most lucrative email ever in Canada, and probably the most welcomed.”

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Sources

• globalnews.ca: ‘Manifesting millions’ pays off for winners of record $90M Lotto Max jackpot | Globalnews.ca
• calgaryherald.com: Four Calgary friends manifested historic $90-million Lotto Max jackpot | Calgary Herald

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.