The Unexpected Jackpot: A Sleepy Surprise Turns Into $40 Million
Bernard White, a 79-year-old retired railway employee from Oshawa, Ontario, never expected a routine lottery check to become the highlight of his life. On February 21, 2025, after purchasing his usual Lotto Max tickets—one for himself and one for his daughter—Bernard’s sleepy morning took an unbelievable turn.
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At first, he thought he’d won $40,000. “I looked at her, half asleep, and replied, ‘That’s great! Now we can both pay off our cars,’” Bernard recounted, still groggy from his slumber. But the surprise didn’t end there.
Just minutes later, his daughter knocked again, her voice trembling with excitement. “Um…Dad, I think you won $40 million.” Bernard’s reaction? A mix of disbelief and the hilarity of being caught in the buff.
“I really wanted to jump out of bed, but I couldn’t because I sleep in the nude. I would’ve hit the ceiling if I’d had underwear on,” he chuckled.
From Pranks to Payouts: How Bernard Kept the News Under Wraps
Despite the monumental win, Bernard’s first instinct was to prank his long-time partner. “I told her I’d won $40,000—I couldn’t get that thought out of my mind,” he admitted. But she wasn’t buying it. Known for his playful tricks, Bernard’s partner thought he was joking.
Finally, he showed her the ticket and confessed, “I’ve won $40 million.” Still skeptical, she stared at the ticket, hoping to find the punchline—only to realize there was none.
“I could barely say the words, ‘I won $40 million.’ It just felt so surreal,” Bernard said.
Life After the Lottery: A Fisherman’s Dream and Generous Plans
Now with a $40 million jackpot in hand, Bernard’s plans are as heartfelt as they are exciting. An avid fisherman, he’s eyeing a new fishing rod and a set of $3,000 speakers to enhance his outdoor adventures.
But it’s not just about personal indulgence. Bernard’s heart belongs to his family. “My daughter means a lot to me because, when my late wife and I had her, she was the only child we could have. She’s going to be well taken care of,” he shared.
His generosity extends beyond family. Bernard plans to donate substantially to causes close to his heart, including health organizations and charities.
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A New Chapter Begins: From Oshawa to Newfoundland and Beyond
Bernard’s travel dreams are also taking shape. A cruise around Newfoundland, his birthplace, is on the horizon. “I’ve dreamt about winning big money and sharing it with my family. It’s going to be a wonderful feeling to help them. I’ll be the favorite uncle for sure,” he said with a grin.
This win isn’t just about the money—it’s about making memories, spreading joy, and giving back to the community that shaped him.
Bernard’s ticket, purchased at the Shell gas station on Taunton Road East in Oshawa, has proven that sometimes, even the most ordinary days can turn into extraordinary adventures.