A Sidney woman and her sister are sharing a huge lottery win.

Heather Andrews and her sister Gwen Leeder won $5 million from the Oct. 21, 2023 Lotto 6/49 draw. Andrews found out first, but had to wait to tell Leeder because she lives in Stittsville, Ont. and was already asleep.

鈥淚 was at home watching TV and thought I should check my ticket,鈥� said Andrews, in a news release. 鈥淚 looked at the ticket and checked (online) two or three times and then sent the picture to Gwen and called her (in the morning) 鈥� we started laughing.鈥�

The sisters were most excited to celebrate the news with each other 鈥� in fact, no one else knew about their win besides Leeder鈥檚 daughter.

Some lottery winners continue to work at their regular jobs, but not Leeder 鈥� she was happy to quit her job and enjoyed handing in her resignation letter to her employer.

The sisters now plan to explore Canada鈥檚 east coast together. Otherwise, the two plan to help family and close friends.

On how it feels to win?

鈥淥verwhelming, surreal and fantastic,鈥� said Leeder. 鈥淥ur dream was to travel together.鈥�

Andrews purchased the winning ticket at the Pharmasave on Seventh Street in Sidney.

The sisters claimed their $5-million jackpot on Nov. 6 at BCLC鈥檚 Vancouver office.

So far in 2023, B.C. lottery players have redeemed more than $100 million in winnings from Lotto 6/49.

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