Order of Canada Recipient Wins $25 Million Lotto Max Jackpot
In a historic first for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, a member of the Order of Canada has claimed a significant lottery jackpot in Ontario. Charles Coffey from Toronto won the LOTTO MAX jackpot of $25 million on January 31, 2025.
Coffey, 81, referred to as “Charlie” by friends and family, mentioned he visited his local Shell gas station to refuel his vehicle, grabbed a chocolate bar, and checked a few LOTTO MAX tickets he possessed.
"When I checked my tickets on the self-scanner, one wasn’t a winner, but the other was. I thought I saw $25,000 and said to myself, ‘That’s interesting!” he said. “But I didn’t have my glasses on, so I got them out, went back to check what I thought was a $25,000 ticket, and saw $25 million.
“As soon I got in the door, I asked a family member to help me confirm the numbers,” he added. “They read the numbers back to me as I checked them again. When we finally accepted the fact that the ticket was worth $25 million, someone suggested they take my pulse to make sure I was alive and seeing the amount of the win.”
For years, Coffey applied a strong work ethic taught by his parents while growing up as one of nine siblings in a small New Brunswick town, leading to a career in banking. However, it was through his volunteer efforts that he truly left his imprint.
Countless Honors for Philanthropic Efforts
For years, Coffey advocated for issues in Toronto and throughout Canada related to Indigenous communities, children and early childhood development, women entrepreneurs, and female representation in government, along with education and diversity.
Coffey was designated an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2003 for his contributions. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs honored Charlie with the title of Honorary Chief for his advocacy for First Nations. He was awarded the Canadian Women’s International Business Initiative Award by the Canadian Embassy in the USA.
“This win gives me the opportunity to sustainably support the causes I have championed for decades,” Coffey said. “I believe in the premise of a hand-up versus a handout and want to support organizations that need a stronger voice. The motto for the Order of Canada is ‘They desire a better country’ and that speaks to me. A desire for a better Toronto, a better Ontario, and a better Canada, in particular for our Indigenous peoples.”
Family Vacation in Planning
Although planning to maintain his volunteer efforts, Coffey mentioned he had one personal desire for the winnings: a family vacation “to celebrate and create more cherished memories together.”
