‘This win feels like freedom’: Two Hamilton lottery players win big

Two men from Hamilton are $1 million richer after striking gold with a pair of winning lottery tickets.

Giovanni Salciccioli of Stoney Creek took home the $1-million Maxmillions prize in the March 31 Lotto Max draw with a ticket he bought at Avondale Food Stores on Rymal Road East.

The 56-year-old auto parts adviser thought it was an April Fool's Day joke when he scanned the ticket.

This win changes my life," Salciccioli is quoted as saying in an OLG news release. I have more freedom to do things I couldn't do before."

Salciccioli said he's already purchased a few cars for his family and hopes to accelerate his retirement with the prize money.

Jaak Buss of Hamilton is also feeling lucky after winning $1 million in the May 13 Lotto 6-49 draw. He bought the ticket at 7-Eleven on Upper Wellington Street.

The 66-year-old retiree - who also won $25,000 with Instant Crosswords in 2001 and $8,700 with Poker Lotto a few weeks ago - said he woke up in the middle of the night to the news.

I woke up my wife and said, I don't mean to disturb you, but I won a million dollars!'" he said.

Buss, a father and grandfather of one, said he plans to use the winnings to help his family sit back and relax.

This win feels like freedom. We can finally enjoy life on our own terms."

Sebastian Bron is a Hamilton-based reporter at The Spectator. Reach him via email: sbron@thespec.com