BC man eyes European travels after $500K lotto win

When James Naaybe realized he had won an $500,000 Extra prize in the Sept. 16 Lotto Max draw, he didn’t know who to tell first.

“I was at home working on my uncle’s truck when I learned I won,” he explained. “The first thing that crossed my mind was ‘who do I call?’”

First, he went to 7-Eleven to confirm his win, then the Squamish resident made the smart choice of telling his wife first, which he did through a text.

Naaybe said he will take some time to figure out his plans for the life-changing win, but hopes to use some of the money to travel to Europe.

As for how it feels to win such a large sum?

“We get to start over and live comfortably at the same time,” noted Naaybe. “I won’t have to work as much anymore. Honestly, I feel a sense of peace in myself.”

The winning ticket was purchased at the 7-Eleven on Cleveland Avenue in Squamish.