Milton couple retires after winning $55 million Lotto Max jackpot

A Milton couple hopes they remain ‘regular people’ after winning the $55 million Lotto Max jackpot last month.

Laurene Shail and Doltan Hawk have been partners and regular lottery players for the past 25 years. The couple started playing Lotto Max together when it was introduced in 2009.

While they look forward to purchasing a home and fishing boat, Shail said the ultimate plan is to take care of family.

“We want them to feel the joy with us. They deserve it as much as we do. They deserve to not have to work multiple jobs and can now spend more time together as a family, which is how it should be.”

It was the Saturday morning after the draw when Hawk checked their ticket using the OLG app.

“I didn’t know what I was seeing, so I called out for Laurene,” he said. “I told her to pull out her phone and check the ticket herself. I was checking to see the number of winning tickets and said, ‘It can’t be!’. I didn’t know what to do.”

Shail said she was just about to get in the shower when she heard Hawk yelling.

“I thought maybe something had happened to him. He was shaking from head to toe. He asked me to check the ticket and ran to get my glasses. Then I thought he was pranking me. I put on my glasses and thought this can’t be real, this can’t be happening to us.”

Shail’s thoughts immediately turned to what this meant for their family.

“The first thing that went through my mind, was the impact this would have on our children and grandchildren. They’re our world!”

With their winning ticket in hand, they made one more stop.

“We went straight to my mom’s, and she couldn’t believe it, placing her hands over her face when we told her,” said Shail. “We turned on the TV to show her the winning ticket had been sold in Milton and while she was certainly shocked, she was happy beyond words for us.”

Hawk said the family was in shock when they were told.

“We have family all over the province and have had some fun conversations with even more special moments to come, the kind of moments that will fill my heart for a lifetime. Everyone has been so supportive and happy for us. It’s been a humbling experience.”

Both winners decided to retire and now look forward to their future with their family.

“We’re going to buy our dream home, close to our family who we love so much,” said Shail. “Doltan wants to treat himself to a new fishing boat so he can spend his days on the water, and I would like to enjoy some travel. I have always wanted to visit Italy and Australia. I look forward to exploring the world, with our family.”

Reflecting on the last few weeks and all that has transpired, they expressed just how much their newfound fortune means to them.

“When you grow up with nothing, and work hard for everything you have, a win like this is incredible,” said Hawk.

The winning ticket was purchased at Convenience 4 U on Wilson Drive in Milton.