Two Haldimand County women are celebrating lottery wins this week after purchasing tickets in Hagersville and Caledonia.
Kathryn McPherson, a retail worker from Hagersville, won $175,000 playing The Big Spin and retired healthcare worker Bonnie Buchanan of York won $100,000 in an Encore draw.
McPherson, who has been playing the lottery occasionally for a decade, said she was in disbelief when her spin at Hagersville Convenience on Main Street froze the terminal and showed she was legible for a “big spin” which guarantees players a prize of $100,000 to $500,000 .
At the prize centre, McPherson said her heart was pounding as she watched the big spin wheel.
“I’m surprised I didn’t pass out. What an incredible prize on a $5 ticket.”
She said she plans a trip and to invest some of the funds but will be “smart about my spending decisions.”
Buchanan matched the last six of seven Encore number in the April 14 Pick 2 draw after playing the lottery for 20 years. She bought her ticket at Rexall on Argyle Street in Caledonia.
“I was up early one morning checking my numbers online and when I saw the Encore number matched, I thought it couldn’t be real,” Buchanan said.
“My husband was still asleep, so I spent the next two hours telling my dog about all my big lottery plans.”
Buchanan plans to do some “long-awaited renovations” to her home.
@EXPSGamble