Michael Strauch won $500,000 in a Lotto Max draw (BC Lottery Corp. photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Lotto max

Resident joyous after winning lottery prize

May 10, 2024 | 7:00 AM

A Salmon Arm resident is celebrating after winning a half million dollars from a B.C. lottery game.

Michael Strauch matched 4/4 Extra numbers from the April 26 Lotto Max draw, netting him a $500,000 prize.

Strauch purchased and verified his ticket from Matchbox Smoke and Vape Shop in Salmon Arm and was shocked when the retailer told him that his ticket was a winner.

“I was freaking out and said, ‘Oh my gosh, oh my gosh, this is a dream,” Strauch recalled.

Strauch wasn’t the only one excited about the win.

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“A few customers in the store congratulated me and we were happy together in that moment. It was really beautiful,” he said.

Strauch couldn’t wait to get home to share the news with his partner.

“We cried together, and she felt so much joy for me and for our future.”

The lottery winner looks forward to the ease that this win will provide for his future retirement and plans to purchase a home with his winnings.

“This win gives me the ability to slow down if I want to. Every day is a celebration now. We can relax and buy a home and that brings an overwhelming amount of joy and gratitude into our lives.”