Kamloops 'Millionaire Life' winners come forward

Kamloops, B.C., March 17, 2009 – The wait is over for those Kamloops residents wondering who among them are the city's newest lottery winners.

Husband and wife Jim and Marie (Rose) Ambrus and couple Erin McAllister and Stuart McGillis each paid a visit to BCLC's Kamloops office this week to collect a cheque for $100,000, with both couples purchasing a winning ticket for the February 28, 2009 Millionaire Life draw.

Amazingly, all three of B.C.'s $100,000-winning Millionaire Life tickets were sold last month in Kamloops, yet only 39-year-old Michael Strudwick had come forward to claim his prize.

"When I found out I won I went numb," said 69-year old Rose. "I could barely write my name on the back of the ticket," which was purchased at Falcon Corner Store on Falcon Road.

"Other customers in the store started rubbing their lottery tickets on me for good luck," laughed the retired dietary aide.

The couple plan to "spoil" their family, which will take some doing considering they have four children, eleven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

For Stuart and Erin, who purchased their ticket at Happy Valley Foods on Barnhartvale Road, the win was also surprising, because they had nearly lost their winning ticket!

"I found it on the floor in our house and took it to the store for validation," said Stuart. The 35-year-old carpenter couldn't believe it turned out to be a winner and immediately called Erin.

"At first, I didn't believe him," said the 41-year-old barista. "Now, we're planning a vacation."

Millionaire Life is the nationwide lottery game offering a guaranteed top prize of $1,000,000 a year for 25 years. Tickets were available from January 26, 2009 to February 28, 2009.

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