First priority for BC man after $1M lotto win is buying mom a new car

Eric West is British Columbia’s newest millionaire and his mom will be reaping some of the benefits.

West, who’s from Mackenzie, was visiting his mom in Hazelton on Christmas Eve when he discovered that he had actually won a life-changing amount in the June 22 Lotto Max draw.

“I thought I won $1,000 so my mom said to go scan it at a retailer,” he recalled of his reaction when he checked the ticket at her house. “I was so surprised that it was actually $1,000,000 and not $1,000!”

After processing the news, West returned to his mom’s house and told her and his brother the exciting news.

As for his plans for the $1-million prize, one thing is clear.

“My mom has always helped me out so the first thing I want to do is buy her a new car,” West explained.

The Mackenzie resident didn’t specify any other immediate plans for his winnings, but he is still trying to convince himself that it happened.

“You just don’t believe it,” said West. “Even now, it’s hard to believe.”