Elmsdale couple wins big in lottery

P.E.I. couple taken aback by $1M win

ELMSDALE, P.E.I. — John and Norma Jean Griffin of Elmsdale, P.E.I were in disbelief after learning they were the Island's latest $1-million prize winners.

“I was at Halifax airport when I saw I had the email from Atlantic Lottery, and it usually says you won $4 or something, but it didn't say, so I thought maybe I won $100 or something,” John said.

“When I pulled it up on my phone, it said $1,000,010, and I just thought, ‘I don't believe that.”

The couple had won the $1-million Gold Ball draw guaranteed prize from the Oct. 26 Lotto 6/49 draw. John sent a text to Norma Jean, who was substitute teaching at the time and asked her to call him as soon as possible.

“I called and couldn't understand what he was saying because he was worked up,” Norma Jean said.

“So, he gave the phone to our niece who was travelling with him, and when she told me, I told her, “Stop telling me lies and joking around with me.”

Plans for their winnings include renovating their cottage and travelling, with a trip to Turks and Caicos first on their list.

The couple said their win will also help them to retire sooner than they had planned.