Imagine receiving a seven-figure cheque after winning the lottery. Would it be exciting? Scary? Overwhelming? Perhaps all of the above and more.
For Raymond Mussell, it’s an opportunity to tackle his bucket list. As St. Albert’s newest multi-millionaire, he won $7,935,986.70 in the Dec. 15 LOTTO 6-49 draw.
“There are a few things I’m looking forward to ticking off the old bucket,” he said through a media release.
“I’ve been recording music for years, and I’m now recording my second album. I’d like to put some money toward marketing the album and see where that takes me.”
As well, part of his initial plans include buying a house, a new truck and sharing the proceeds with his children.
“I know he’s also planning going on a fishing trip, but I don’t know if it’s right away or later,” said Kevin van Edgom, communication and corporate affairs manager of Western Canada Lottery Corporation.
Mussell also noted that winning the $7.9 million has increased his understanding of solid, long-term financial planning.
“Winning this much money has made me look at things with a whole new perspective,” he said. “I don’t feel any different as a person, but I’ve been given a really special opportunity. I need to be responsible when it comes to spending that opportunity.”
Mussell added, “It would be easy to go out and buy this, that and whatever. But I don’t want to do that. It’s important to me that I continue to live a sustainable life, and that my kids live that life as well.”
The winning LOTTO 6/49 numbers were 11, 12, 22, 36, 46 and 47. Mussell split the $15.8-million jackpot with a matching ticket purchased in Ontario. They were random numbers Mussell has selected and played for 30 years, said van Edgom.
The happy winner bought his $38 ticket at the Safeway Gas Bar on 395 St. Albert Trail in St. Albert.
