'They thought it was a joke!': Group of four hospital workers in B.C. claim $6 million lottery win

COVID-19 may have made Halloween celebrations a little different this year but it was a great day for a group of four B.C. hospital workers who won $6 million in the Oct. 31 draw.

Coquitlam, B.C., resident Heewon (Theresa) Choi, Melanie Nolan and their two other co-workers work at the Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster. Choi is team “captain” of the group of lottery players, who have been playing together for about a year.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Choi said in a statement. “I immediately showed it to Melanie who sits right next to me.”

The group usually use birth dates and anniversaries to select their numbers. Choi purchased this particular ticket at a local Shoppers Drug Mart and she scanned in on her BCLC Lotto! App to see if the four co-workers won any money.

“I thought it was $6,000 when she showed it to me,” Nolan revealed.

“When the other two group members started their shift, Melanie and I told them,” Choi said. “They thought it was a joke!”

Once the players realized they were $6 million lottery winners they told their families the good news. Nolan’s partner was in disbelief and responded with a text message saying, “It’s not April Fools!”

In terms of how they plan to spend their winnings, the group wants to share a nice meal together and Nolan plans to donate some of her money to the Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation.

“I’ve always dreamed about being a millionaire, I feel like I’m in a dream,” Choi said.

In 2020 alone, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $91 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.