By Todd Northrop
RICHMOND, B.C. — A gay Vancouver couple who are marking their 30th anniversary next month will have plenty to celebrate after winning a $50 million lottery jackpot.
Kurt and Claude Blanchette-Ebert claimed the winning ticket for last week's Lotto Max draw on Tuesday in front of media.
Sixty-three-year-old Kurt told reporters he could barely believe his eyes when he checked his ticket, adding the win has not yet sunk in.
"I stuck my ticket into this machine and it read $50 million," he said. "I rubbed my eyes and the first thing I said is, 'Holy s***.'" The couple was so shocked by their win on Friday, it took them a few days to work up the courage to cash in.
Kurt, a pastry chef, said he and his partner have faced some tough financial times lately and the win is icing on their cake.
The couple was met by a couple of dozen reporters, photographers and lottery employees.
They were handed the check amid cheers and applause.
Claude Blanchette-Ebert, 52, had worked as an upholsterer. Both he and his partner have since quit their jobs.
"Well, yesterday I had to quit my job," laughed Kurt. "I've never seen that side of my boss. He was laughing and rolling on the floor. Today was a good day (to claim)."
The couple, who have never been on vacation together, have some plans for the money, but are still considering their options.
Despite their new wealth, Kurt said he doesn't intend to change much.
"We'll still be the same people... I hope," he laughed. "We are not extravagant but we need new cars and we'll probably buy a new house."
Kurt was born in Germany and came to Canada in 1964. He met Claude in Edmonton in 1980 when he moved there to work as a chef in a hotel restaurant. They moved to Vancouver in 1986.
Kurt was philosophical about beating the 28 million to one odds of winning.
"If you think you might get rich with lottery tickets, think again. It's luck and good karma," he said.
As if $50 million wasn't enough, the couple also won a free play for the next Lotto Max draw.
"There's the free play voucher for you," B.C. Lottery Corp. president Michael Graydon said after handing the couple the check.
"Given your luck, I would play that on Friday."
Congratulations to the happy couple. I hope they have many wonderful vacations together.
Yet another BIG Canada lottery jackpot win!
It was uplifting to me to read that each person listed on the huge promo lottery check resigned from their job without much delay. This is big compassionate action!!! It can create peace of mind, and allow for two people who need income to have a chance at employment.
Congratulations to the Vancouver couple on their 30th anniversary next month. The even sweeter deal is -- their winning is tax free. Yes, Virginia, there is a santa claus.
"I stuck my ticket into this machine and it read $50 million," he said. "I rubbed my eyes and the first thing I said is, 'Holy s***.'"
Canadians must now have a lottery ticket checking system that by-past the clerks.
They look like nice people.
I wish them nothing but the best.
GREAT to see you guys WIN!
Have fun and spend wisely.
"I rubbed my eyes and the first thing I said is, 'Holy s***.'"
Lmfao
The thing that had ME rolling was the fact that the first thing the article mentioned was the winners were gay. You never see the headlines "Straight couple from [insert location] wins jackpot". HAHAHA Just found it funny.
Congrats to the happy couple.
::giggles::
Please forgive me...I'm working on no sleep. :)
They may have beat the lottery odds but the odds of them remaining a loving couple are slim.
The odds of being with one person 30 years are slim to begin with.
I got a feeling they'll be just fine.
I speak from experience, because I've actually been married to a few crazy wimmins.
They drive you into seclusion long before 30 years is up.
They also make you drink.
Heavily.
In fact, I'm gonna have one right now just from thinking about it.
ROFL!!! Thanks for that laugh...and its ohhh soo true! Cheers!!
Congrats to the winners.
Sorry to hear that you have had such bad luck with the ladies sir. I think that if you really love someone, then you can make it through any thing. Even 30 + years in fact. Love is a gift from God, that's the real blessing in itself. Best of luck to you in the near future.