A Sandringham mother who grabbed an Instant Scratch-Its ticket as a ‘pick-me-up’ gift for herself during a lockdown last year has landed a million-dollar top prize.
The top prize winning $20 Grand Fortune ticket was purchased at Sandringham Authorised Newsagency & Lotto, Shop 5 & 6, 34 Station Street, Sandringham.
“It’s crazy! It’s absolutely life-changing. Things like this just don’t happen to us,” she told an official from The Lott while claiming her prize this week.
“I bought the Instant Scratch-Its ticket while out grocery shopping in December last year during a state-wide lockdown. We could still visit the newsagency, so I thought I’d buy some scratchies.
“It gave me something to do while we were cooped up inside, and it allowed us to experience something cool during uncertain times.
“I was sitting at home by myself when I scratched the Instant Scratch-Its ticket and discovered the win. I FaceTimed my partner straight away to show him the ticket.
“He said to me, ‘That doesn’t make sense. That’s ridiculous!’. He just couldn’t believe it at all.
“I’ve been holding onto the winning Instant Scratch-Its ticket for two months to wait for the right time to claim it. I’ve been so, so nervous.
“I never thought in a million years we would win a million-dollar prize on an Instant Scratch-Its ticket! I’m still trying to process it all. It’s wonderful.”
When asked how she planned to enjoy her instant windfall, the generous woman said she couldn’t wait to share the love.
“It will be spread through the family, and some will be donated to charities close to our heart,” she said.
“It’s been a really tough time for everyone since COVID had arrived, and I can’t wait to share the love.
“We had a drink last night with the family, but we’ll officially celebrate once the prize hits the bank account.”
Sandringham Authorised Newsagency & Lotto co-owner Alex Wang said the team was thrilled to have sold a top prize-winning entry to a local customer.
“It’s always exciting when we sell a top prize Instant Scratch-Its ticket and even better when it’s to a local customer,” he said.
“Congratulations to the winner, and we wish them all the best with their life-changing prize.”
In 2021, there were 157 Instant Scratch-Its top prize winners across The Lott’s jurisdictions who collectively took home more than $10 million in top prizes.
