In a historic first for the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, an Order of Canada officer has claimed a significant lottery jackpot in Ontario. Toronto's Charles Coffey grabbed the $25 million LOTTO MAX jackpot on January 31, 2025. 

Coffey, 81, referred to as "Charlie" by loved ones, mentioned he visited his local Shell gas station to refuel his vehicle, grabbed a chocolate bar, and verified 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 many years, Coffey applied a strong work ethic taught by his parents, having grown up as one of nine siblings in a small town in New Brunswick, into a profession in the banking sector. However, it was through his volunteer efforts that he truly left his impression. 

Many Honors for Volunteer Efforts 

For many years, Coffey advocated for issues in Toronto and throughout Canada related to Indigenous communities, children and early childhood development, women entrepreneurs, and women in leadership roles, 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 designated Charlie as an Honorary Chief due to his backing of First Nations. He was also awarded the Canadian Women’s International Business Initiative Award by the Canadian Embassy in the U.S. 

“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 Progress 

Although he planned to keep volunteering, Coffey expressed that there was one thing he wished to do for himself with the winnings: a family vacation “to celebrate and create more cherished memories together.”