A Sidney woman and her sister are sharing a huge lottery win.

Heather Andrews and her sister Gwen Leeder won $5 million from the Oct. 21, 2023 Lotto 6/49 draw. Andrews found out first, but had to wait to tell Leeder because she lives in Stittsville, Ont. and was already asleep.

sa国际传媒淚 was at home watching TV and thought I should check my ticket,sa国际传媒� said Andrews, in a news release. sa国际传媒淚 looked at the ticket and checked (online) two or three times and then sent the picture to Gwen and called her (in the morning) sa国际传媒� we started laughing.sa国际传媒�

The sisters were most excited to celebrate the news with each other sa国际传媒� in fact, no one else knew about their win besides Leedersa国际传媒檚 daughter.

Some lottery winners continue to work at their regular jobs, but not Leeder sa国际传媒� she was happy to quit her job and enjoyed handing in her resignation letter to her employer.

The sisters now plan to explore Canadasa国际传媒檚 east coast together. Otherwise, the two plan to help family and close friends.

On how it feels to win?

sa国际传媒淥verwhelming, surreal and fantastic,sa国际传媒� said Leeder. sa国际传媒淥ur dream was to travel together.sa国际传媒�

Andrews purchased the winning ticket at the Pharmasave on Seventh Street in Sidney.

The sisters claimed their $5-million jackpot on Nov. 6 at BCLCsa国际传媒檚 Vancouver office.

So far in 2023, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $100 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.

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